Argentina Gives 12 Ex-Officers Life Terms For Murder, Torture In 'Dirty War'

It took decades, but Argentina has finally sentenced twelve military and police officials from the era of the Military Junta, 1976 to 1983, that saw thousands "disappeared", tortured and murdered. Today, Oct 26th, 2011, is a good day for justice in this world. Here are some media reports on the sentencing:

From Al Jazeera:



From AP:

12 agents get life for Argentina dirty war

ALMUDENA CALATRAVA and RAUL O. GARCES

Associated Press

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- A court sentenced a former navy spy known as "the Angel of Death" and 11 other former Argentine military and police officers to life in prison Wednesday for crimes against humanity committed during the 1976-83 military dictatorship.

Alfredo Astiz, a 59-year-old ex-navy captain, became notorious for his infiltration and betrayal of activists and was viewed by many Argentines as the symbol of the junta's crimes. He was accused of participating in the kidnapping, torture and murder of two French nuns, a journalist and three founders of a human rights group.

The crimes alleged against all the defendants included 86 cases of kidnapping, torture and murder of leftist dissidents committed at the Navy Mechanics School, one of the military junta's principal torture centers used to crush the threat of armed revolution. About 5,000 detainees passed through the school. Fewer than half survived. (FOR FULL ARTICLE CLICK HERE)

From AFP:

Interviewing some of the victims: