Madrid, March 18 – The city of Madrid today paid tribute to professionals who have fallen in defense of freedom of expression with the inauguration of a new monument. The sculpture, located opposite the headquarters of the Madrid Press Association (APM) on Juan Bravo Street, was unveiled by Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida, accompanied by the Councilor for Salamanca, Cayetana Hernández de la Riva.
A Symbol of Courage and Freedom
Mayor Almeida, joined by the monument’s author, Daniel Canogar, and the president of the APM, María Rey, emphasized the bravery of these professionals. He described them as “an antidote against those who want to destroy coexistence and democracy.” Almeida highlighted Madrid’s firm commitment to liberties, stating, “Madrid, a city firmly committed to liberties, had to pay tribute to all those who gave their lives to preserve our rights.” He further likened the monument to “a torch for freedom, which will remind Madrid residents of the importance of the work of information professionals in preserving our society.”
Honoring 15 Lives Lost
The luminous sculpture bears the names of 15 individuals who have died in defense of freedom of expression since the advent of democracy in Spain. These include: José María Portell, Luis Espinal, Juantxu Rodríguez, Jordi Pujol, Luis Valtueña, José Luis López de Lacalle, Miguel Gil Moreno, Santiago Oleaga, Julio Fuentes, José Luis Percebal, Julio Anguita Parrado, José Couso, Ricardo Ortega, David Beriain, and Roberto Fraile.
Monument Design and Location
The monument is a six-meter-high and one-meter-wide luminous prism. Two of its sides are made of glass, while the third features an LED screen displaying a constantly changing chromatic animation that alternates with the names of those honored. Symbolically, the monument is oriented towards the APM headquarters, reinforcing its connection to the journalistic community.
Madrid’s Commitment to Free Press
This initiative underscores Madrid’s ongoing dedication to supporting and recognizing the vital role of a free press in a democratic society. The monument serves as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices made by journalists in their pursuit of truth and their efforts to uphold fundamental freedoms.
The event was attended by various public officials, members of the press, and citizens, all gathered to honor the memory of those who paid the ultimate price for their commitment to informing the public.
The Madrid City Council continues to promote initiatives that strengthen democratic values and ensure the protection of freedom of expression, recognizing it as a cornerstone of a healthy society.
Source: https://www.madrid.es/portales/munimadrid/es/Inicio/Actualidad/Noticias/La-ciudad-de-Madrid-rinde-homenaje-a-los-caidos-por-la-libertad-de-expresion/?vgnextfmt=default&vgnextoid=3fc0b9e70510d910VgnVCM200000f921e388RCRD&vgnextchannel=a12149fa40ec9410VgnVCM100000171f5a0aRCRD
