Re: Alleged torture ship spurs Victoria protest (News, June 15)
I’m deeply disturbed by Gerry Pash defending an institution that raped women and assassinated civilians. Similarly, on a June 7 meeting, a different Canadian navy representative disclosed that not long ago a ship built and used by the Nazis had visited Victoria and no one had protested the visit.
I find both instances equally revolting. Are the crimes committed by the Nazis also “alleged,” as in the case of the Esmeralda, thus no protest is appropriate?
Crimes against humanity do not have an expiry date whether they happened 70 or 30 years ago.
I commend and thank Victoria city council for taking an ethical and moral stand against the Esmeralda’s visit, perhaps other individuals and institutions should emulate such dignified action.
A visit by the Esmeralda to our city would be degrading to those people who were tortured or killed on board. I respectfully ask the authorities to withdraw the welcoming mat and refuse to participate in any ceremony related to this symbol of terror, intolerance and crimes against humanity.
Please support our efforts to stop the visit: www.noesmeralda.com.
Carlos Flores
Saanich