Hugo Blanco Funeral
In the midst all that has taken place in recent weeks, one of the events I was not able to post was the death of Hugo Blanco.
Hugo Blanco was a key figure in Peruvian politics through some of the most difficult times in the country’s history. He was a champion for indigenous people’s rights in Peru and throughout South America. He was seen as a Che Guevara of Peru and his leftist leanings drew the ire of the established right.
His death came at a time when many of the same issues he was fighting had resurfaced. Those same issues are at the root cause of the recent protests. Much like the protests, he is a very divisive figure in Peruvian society.
His funeral drew hundreds of indigenous people as they joined his procession through the streets of Cusco as they said goodbye to someone they feel fought for them.
Due to the sensitivity of the situation and the authorities using intimidation tactics to quell the situation, I was advised not to attend the funeral or even talk about it. I felt differently. These are a few of the photos from that day.
MB
