MEXICAN institutions have declassified documents on the repression of the 1968 student and social movements under the government of Gustavo Diaz Ordaz, with hope that those killed and disappeared will finally receive justice.

The General Archive of the Nation (AGN), the National Transparency Institute (INAI) and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) announced their files would be made publicly available in a joint ceremony at the Lecumberri Palace, a political prison where many of the student leaders of the 1968 movement were held.

“It will give us the opportunity to piece things together, correct injustices and avoid repeating the tragic events of that year,” said UNAM director Enrique Graue.

The move was welcomed by the 68 Committee, which has been fighting for justice for the victims of the Tlatelolco massacre, which saw a student demonstration attacked by Mexican security services just 10 days before the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. 

“The right to memory and truth is useful not to foster vengeance, but to know the facts and do justice, as a beginning point to repair the damage done and avoid these events,” said human rights activist Alejandro Encinas.