Show Originally Aired: 8/26/2003 CALL 1 800-423-TALK
Argentina's Dirty War
Mothers of Plaza de Mayo hold photos of disappeared children, Buenos Aires, Argentina (AP) Email to friend
What Argentina calls its "Dirty War" is an ugly stain on the nation's history. From 1976 to 1983, a military government systematically tortured, killed, and "disappeared" tens of thousands of people suspected of opposing the government. Many were dragged from their homes in the middle of the night never to be seen again. As part of the price of restoring democracy, Argentina passed laws which gave immunity to those responsible for the killings.
Now, after years of protests, and under the guidance of a new President, Argentina is rolling back those immunity laws, hoping to bring former military officers to trial. Argentina confronts its past.
Alicia Partnoy, former political prisoner during Argentina's Dirty war, and author of "The Little School: Tales of Disappearance and Survival in Argentina (1999)"
Juan Mendez, Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Civil and Human Rights at Notre Dame Law School
Martin Kaste, NPR reporter.
Martin Kaste explains the population that does not support changing the law. listen
Juan Mendez describes the place this issue has had in the Argentinian population. listen
