The former vice president of the Republic, Lucia Topolanskyhas sent a letter to the organization Mothers and Relatives of Disappeared Detainees in response to its recent statements about alleged false testimonies related to soldiers who acted during the dictatorship. The letter arose after the controversy caused by his comments, which were considered inappropriate by the aforementioned organization.
In the letter, Topolansky acknowledges having committed a “mistake” when publicly discussing certain events of the recent past in a recording made by the writer Pablo Cohen for a book. He clarified that the nature of his statements was related to “trials in Buenos Aires, certain pressures and comments from victims.” His intention was to offer context about the reason for his statements.
Pledge of silence
The former vice president began her letter by referring to a statement issued by Madres y Familiares, which requested that she retract or remain silent. Topolansky made evident his decision not to recant, stating that “I can’t take it back, because I knew what I said”.
Topolansky also mentioned that she had not reviewed the draft text before its publication, which she said, contributed to the confusionacknowledging that he should have removed those references. “I take responsibility for the mistake and the consequences”he commented in his letter, suggesting an implicit recognition of the importance of the controversy caused by his words.
Communication with the organization
The letter ends with an offer of dialogue, where Topolansky makes himself available to Mothers and Relatives in case they need more information or details about what was stated. However, he made it clear that he will not take further action in this matter. “At this moment I am not a public official nor an elected senator. Yes I am on the list”, he clarified, indicating that his current role does not imply official responsibilities.
As a result of the letter, the organization Madres y Familiares repeated through the social network x that they will maintain their strong stance regarding Topolansky’s statements, reaffirming their confidence in the Justice and in the victims of the dictatorship. “We trust in Justice and in the Uruguayan people who have expressed their solidarity and constant support for this cause that unites us,” they stated in their message.
The organization not only reaffirmed its position, but also urged Topolansky to appear before the Justice so that appropriate measures are taken, according to the statements he made. The tone of the response suggests that the controversy may have legal implications, and highlights the organization’s continued work for justice.
