Guatemala: Archive Update

A reader pointed out a follow-up to Guatemala's announcement that it will open its military archives. Apparently, some members of the armed forces are not ready to accept investigations into their dealings.

"We have information that the defense minister's family members received death threats from a group of ex-army officials upset about the de-classification of potentially compromising archives," Colom said at a news conference.

Guatemalan Minister's Kin Threatened over Archives (Reuters)

Argentina: Perps Suffer Amnesia in Court

Alfredo Astiz today denied participating in the task force which killed Argentine-Swede Dagmar Hagelin in 1977.

When asked about the 'death flights', in which living prisoners were dumped into the Rio de la Plate estuary, he replied "I don't know what you're talking about".

His superior, Jorge 'el Tigre' Acosta, explained that "it's very difficult to remember the events you are accusing [me] of".

Such claims stretch credibility, but are in themselves unsurprising, since the number of people who turn around after years of determinedly evading justice by every means possible and then make a full and contrite confession is, well - can you think of anyone? No, neither can I. Even telltale Scilingo, when he realised that his admissions could after all land him in jail, tried to backtrack and deny them again.

Astiz y Acosta olvidaron los vuelos de la muerte y los operativos de la ESMA (Critica Digital)

Astiz nego haber participado en la desaparicion de Dagmar Hagelin (Clarin)

Guatemala: Will Army Archives Be Revealed?

Recently, Guatemala's President apologised for the crimes of the civil war.

Now, he has gone further:

A new government commission will organize and declassify military documents that could shed light on torture, disappearances and other atrocities during Guatemala's 36-year civil war, President Alvaro Colom announced Tuesday.

On the face of it, this is great news, and should prove fascinating. Human rights group are cautious, however.

"It's not a matter of commissions. The president announced that the files would be handed over in 2008 and the military always spins its wheels,"

said Carmen Aida Ibarra of the Myrna Mack Foundation.
So now it's a matter of trying to hold the government accountable and hoping that they keep their word.

Guatemala team to release war-era military files (AP)

Uruguay: Impunity Law Declared Unconstitutional

In Uruguay, momentum has been gathering behind a campaign to annul the amnesty law, popularly known as the Ley de Caducidad, which prevents the prosecution of members of the armed forces accused of human rights abuses during the military dictatorship.

Now, the President and a majority of senators have declared that key articles of the law are incompatible with the constitution.

New Declarations Against Impunity in Uruguay (Upside Down World)

[Speaking of amnesty laws, for a different national context see also:
Amnesty and impunity in case of the Jesuits (Tim's El Salvador Blog)]

London: Latin American Events

Another friend passed on the news that Argentina's Christina Kirchner will be speaking at the London School of Economics on 3 April. London readers can see here for ticket information (the event is free but you need a ticket). However if you can't make it - as I can't - it should also be made available as a podcast shortly afterwards.

Aside from that, all you lefty human rights types (AKA 'terrorists' in certain quarters) in Britain's capital will want to be making your way to the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival from 18-27 March. See here. Again, I won't make it, but this is where I saw the wonderful State of Fear for the first time, and I note that filmmakers Pamela Yates, Paco de Onis and Peter Kinoy are showing another documentary, this time about the International Criminal Court.

Bolivia: Torture Cells

I posted previously on Bolivia's discovery of cells under a government building which were apparently used for torture. A reader (and blogger) pointed me to a video of the underground rooms as they were visited by President Evo Morales. It's short but interesting to get a glimpse into the place,

Bolivia descubre los sotanos de la muerte (El Pais)

News Round-Up

Lots going on:

Peru government harshly criticized for turning down $2 million donation for Museum (Peruvian Times)

Colombia: Equal Rights for Same-Sex Partners (IPS)

A cheer goes to Fujimori on Trial for carrying on the long slog of reporting every single session of the marathon case. The gem in this report:

Fujimori’s lawyer announced that he had forgotten his work material, including his glasses and notes.

Fujimori's defense says crimes committed by Montesinos, not Fujimori (Fujimori on Trial)

Farc rallies its battered troops (BBC)

And two from Mr. Trend at Alterdestiny:
Argentina's Military Officers Now Can Be Tried for Torturing Their Own Soldiers

Plus, an excellent start to what should be a really informative series:
How to Overthrow a Government (I): Brazil in 1964