The article recounts the harrowing experiences of Miriam Lewin, a survivor of the Argentine dictatorship, as she reflects on the parallels between her past trauma and the current political climate in the United States. Lewin vividly describes her own kidnapping by an authoritarian regime in Argentina and draws alarming comparisons to the erosion of democratic norms in the US under the Trump administration.

Lewin highlights the tactics used by authoritarian regimes to suppress dissent, targeting not only dissidents but also the media, legal institutions, and intellectual elites. She draws attention to the importance of an independent judiciary in upholding the rule of law and protecting individuals like Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish student who faced persecution for expressing her views.

Despite the challenges and risks faced by judges in upholding justice, Lewin emphasizes the critical role they play in safeguarding democracy. She calls for collective action from citizens, lawmakers, human rights organizations, and the media to resist authoritarianism and protect fundamental rights.

Drawing on her own journey to seek justice after the fall of the Argentine dictatorship, Lewin stresses the importance of accountability for government officials who violate human rights. She finds hope in the resilience and defiance of individuals and communities standing up against oppressive regimes, both in the US and Argentina.

Ultimately, Lewin’s powerful narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of democracy and the collective responsibility to defend it against the encroachment of authoritarianism.