Hands of Perón

Hands of Perón refers to a macabre and politically charged event in Argentina's history, involving the posthumous desecration of Juan Domingo Perón's corpse. Perón, a pivotal figure in Argentine politics, served as the President of Argentina for three terms and was the founder of the Justicialist Party, a major political party in Argentina that espouses Peronism, a political ideology based on social justice, economic nationalism, and political sovereignty.

Background

After his death on July 1, 1974, Perón was buried in a crypt in the La Chacarita Cemetery in Buenos Aires. His legacy was a deeply polarized Argentina, with supporters lauding his efforts to empower the working class and detractors criticizing his authoritarian tendencies. The desecration of his tomb and the theft of his hands in 1987 shocked the nation and remains one of the most bizarre episodes in Argentine history.

The Theft

In the early hours of June 10, 1987, a group of unknown assailants broke into Perón's tomb. They meticulously opened his coffin and removed his hands with a precision that suggested medical knowledge. The perpetrators also took several personal items that were buried with Perón. The motive behind this gruesome act remains a subject of speculation, with theories ranging from political symbolism, ransom, to black magic rituals.

Aftermath

The theft of Perón's hands triggered widespread outrage and led to various investigations, none of which have conclusively solved the mystery. The incident added to the mythos surrounding Perón, reflecting the deep divisions and the almost mythological status he holds in Argentine society. In 2006, Perón's body was moved to a mausoleum in San Vicente, Buenos Aires Province, where it is heavily guarded to prevent further acts of desecration.

Legacy

The Hands of Perón incident is emblematic of the turbulent political climate of Argentina during the late 20th century. It underscores the profound impact Perón had on the country, both in life and in death. The event has been the subject of numerous articles, documentaries, and discussions, serving as a grim reminder of the lengths to which political fanaticism can go.