Project El Salvador: Transition to Democracy

This is a picture of the altar where Monseñor Romero was assassinated in 1980. Monseñor Romero was a big human rights activist during his time as Archbishop in El Salvador. He was killed by someone in the Salvadoran military when tensions were high between the guerrillas and the military. Romero was a big target during this time because he spoke out against injustices experienced by the masses in El Salvador. These people, throughout history, have not had control over their livelihood and are often taken advantage of by the few in power in the country. Today the fight against oppression continues as people work toward identifying and embracing their indigenous culture.



This is a picture of the site where the Jesuit preists were brutally murdered in 1989. This event definately stands out as one of the most brutal moments of the violent civil war. It is also important to note that it was one of the first acts against humanity that was brought to trial in an international sphere. There are many other acts against humanity that remain ignored.



This picture was taken in the church where the six Jesuit preists are buried. I thought that it was interesting that drawings of this nature were in a church. I think it is cool that they are. They are an example of a type of healing process through art. These images are necessary in our understanding of the atrocities that humans experienced during the civil war in El Salvador.



This picture was taken at the march as well. At the end of the procession a few leaders of the march presented the government office with a signed petition demanding that justice be served to people like Katya. This picture was taken during a small performance that took place right outside the government building. These people with their faces painted were there to commemorate all of those who have died as a result of an act of violence.



This is a picture of the signs that we carried during the march for women's rights. This was a march protesting the maltreatment of women. Thousands of people showed up to support the cause. The sign said that Katya was raped and killed and her assaulters have not been found or punished. This type of thing happens in El Salvador because of the corrupt system. Katya, along with many others, have not been given the justice that they deserve.