MADRE joins many in mourning the death of Facundo Cabral, an Argentine singer-songwriter who used his music and lyrics to promote peace. Known for his protest songs and opposition to military dictatorships in Latin America, Cabral was named a "worldwide messenger of peace" by the United Nations in 1996.
On July 8 in Guatemala City, while on his way to the airport after finishing a week of performances in Guatemala, Cabral's car was ambushed by several gunmen. He was shot and killed.
As news of his death spread, people gathered in the streets of Guatemala City to mourn his death and commemorate his life by remembering him "as a teacher" and a "voice of protest".
