Controversial Conquistador Statue Reinstated in Lima, Peru
2025-01-19
BBC
The reinstatement of the statue of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in central Lima has sparked controversy among indigenous leaders, who view him as a mass murderer responsible for destroying their culture. However, supporters of the statue's return argue that Peru should not erase its complex history, citing the importance of historical preservation and cultural heritage. The debate highlights the ongoing struggle to reconcile Peru's colonial past with its present-day identity, with many Peruvians seeking to balance their respect for history with acknowledgment of its darker aspects, including colonialism and cultural destruction, in a bid for national reconciliation and social justice
