Was Alberto Márquez more than just a name etched on this plaque? The Alberto Márquez Plaque stands as a solemn reminder of a tragic day. It marks the spot where Alberto Márquez was murdered during the violent protests of December 20 2001.
Alberto Márquez was 57 years old. He was a peronist militant from San Martín. He sold insurance. He studied law and taught at a secondary school. He had three children.
On that fateful day Alberto was on a small plaza at 9 de Julio between Sarmiento and Perón. He was accompanied by his partner Marta. Alberto was on the phone. He was seeking details about what was happening at the Casa Rosada with the former president. Suddenly two cars and a truck parked in front of the Plaza de la República. Men in civilian clothes wearing Federal Police vests opened fire. They shot Alberto Márquez twice in the back. He died in the street embraced by his partner. Alberto was the last person killed that day. De la Rúa fled the government house by helicopter.
The Alberto Márquez Plaque is not just a name. It represents a life cut short. It symbolizes the struggle for justice and accountability. It serves as a stark reminder of the events of that day. The plaque has been vandalized more than once. In 2013 the city government destroyed it during the Metrobus construction. It was restored but destroyed again soon after.
His wife Marta Pinedo said she couldn’t bear the pain any longer. H.I.J.O.S Capital condemned the destruction. They demanded an investigation. They said memory is a heritage of the people.
The Alberto Márquez Plaque also stands for the pursuit of justice. Fifteen years later, in 2016, some officials were convicted for ordering the repression.
Think about Alberto Márquez’s last moments. He was seeking information. He was concerned about his country. Remember that the Alberto Márquez Plaque is more than a memorial. It is a call for justice. It is a testament to the enduring power of memory.