In a historic move, the Spanish government has posthumously pardoned poet Miguel Hernández, whose life was tragically cut short by imprisonment during the Franco regime.
On Tuesday morning, the Minister for Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, signed the Declaration of Reparation for Hernández, officially nullifying the unjust court rulings that led to his conviction and subsequent death.
A beloved figure in Spanish literature, Hernández will be honored on October 31st, the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the military coup, the war, and the dictatorship.
The decision to pardon Hernández comes after years of advocacy from his family, scholars, and human rights organizations. The poet was first sentenced to death and later commuted to a prison sentence, where he succumbed to tuberculosis.
The government’s decision marks a significant step towards rectifying the injustices of the Franco era. While the specific details of the commemorative event are still being finalized, it is expected to include a tribute to Hernández in Madrid and potentially a second event in his home province of Alicante.
The pardon has sparked renewed interest in Hernández’s work and legacy. However, some scholars and family members have expressed concerns about the ongoing controversies surrounding the poet and the lack of sustained efforts to preserve his memory.
