South America

Brazil’s Chief Prosecutor Targets key Political Figures

By Cintia Garcia
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

BRASILIA, Brazil—As suspended Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff presently stands in impeachment trial for failing to comply with fiscal rules, the chief prosecutor has called for new arrests. The chief prosecutor Rodrigo Janot has ordered the arrest of Brazil’s ex-president Jose Sarney, senate speaker Renan Calheiros, ex-lower house speaker Eduardo Cunha, and PMDB leader Romero Juca. All four are members of the PMDB party, the largest political party in Brazil.

At center interim president Michael Temer with Mr. Juca and Mr. Calheiros. (Photo Courtesy of Reuters)

The four politicians are accused of obstructing a two year investigations in the corruption scandal known as Operation Car Wash. The corruption scandal surrounds the state-owned oil company, Petrobras. The order to arrest the four political powerhouses stems from a taped telephone conversation. The alleged voices in the recordings are of Mr. Calheiros, Mr. Sarney, and Mr. Juca in which they discuss derailing the investigation. The conversation was leaked by a Brazilian newspaper. The tapes were produced by senator Sergio Machado who ran a Petrobras-owned logistic company. He made the recordings in return of a plea deal.

Prior to the leaked conversation, Mr. Cunha was removed by the Supreme Court as the lower house speaker for obstructing Justice. He is under investigation for receiving “kickbacks” from Petrobras contracts and for hiding 16 million in Switzerland. Mr. Cunha never declared the bank accounts.

The accused have denied the allegations. Mr. Calheiros stated that the request is “unreasonable, disproportionate and abusive.” If the allegations are true, this would be a severe blow to current interim president, vice president Michel Temer a member of the PMDB party. Since becoming president both members of his party and cabinet members have been removed from office. These events would further support ousted President Dilma Rousseff claim that her impeachment trial is masking a coup led by the opposition party PMDB.

In order for the arrest to proceed, the Supreme Court must approve the arrest. The Supreme Court’s approval is necessary because three of the four men are current members of the senate. The Supreme Court has refused to deny or affirm the truth of the allegations.

For more information, please see:

Aljazeera—Brazil Prosecutor Seeks Arrest of top Politicians—7 June 2016

BBC—Brazil Crisis: A Timeline—12 May 2016

BBC—Brazil Prosecutor Seeks Arrest of top Politicians, Media Report—7 June 2016

Reuters—Brazilian Prosecutors Targets Senior Ruling Party Leaders: Report—7 June 2016

A Call to end Sexual Violence

By Cintia Garcia

Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

BRASILIA, Brazil—The alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old girl from a Favela in Brazil has stirred numerous protests. Thousands of protesters have poured to the streets of Brazil condemning the alleged rape, causing individuals and groups to stand up against gender violence and the “machismo” attitude against women in Brazil.

A protester in Sao Paulo. (Photo Courtesy of The Guardian)

In Rio De Janeiro, about 2,000 individuals chanted and held signs against rape with slogans such as “No means No.” In Sao Paulo, hundreds gathered for a simultaneous protest. The protesters’ goal is to end gender violence and to call upon the government to act. The alleged rape of the 16-year-old girl has highlighted the deeply rooted acceptance of violence against women in Brazil. Crimes against women have been dismissed by the public. Brazil has the fifth highest rate of femicide. Studies have shown that 7.5% to 10% of women in Brazil will report an incident of sexual violence. Protest coordinators want to let women know they do not have to be silent but to report the crime.

Coincidentally, in Argentina, protests against gender violence have also taken place. Thousands gathered in the streets of Buenos Aires to voice their condemnation of the alleged rape of the 16-year-old girl in Brazil and of the killing of three 12-year-old girls in Argentina. The slogan for the protest was “Not one less.” In Argentina, 275 gender based killings occurred last year. In 30% of the cases the attacker was a current partner of the victim, and an ex-partner in 49% of cases. Social media is proving to be an outline for victims of crime and to raise awareness through out Latin America.

A short video of the alleged gang rape of the 16-year-old girl in Brazil surfaced on twitter. It showed 30 to 33 men boasting about the rape. She was naked, drugged and semi-unconscious in the video. The video received hundreds of likes and blamed the girl for the rape. The girl in a statement stated that she had gone to her boyfriends and woke up the next day in a different location surrounded by men raping her. The family of the girl allege her boyfriend was behind the rape in order to punish her. Some arrests have been made since the video became public, but police continue to search for the rest of the men involved.

For more information, please see:

CNN—Brazilian Teen Speaks out About Brutal Gang Rape—30 May 2016

CNN—2 men Arrested, 4 Sought in Brazilian Gang Rape, Government Says—31 May 2016

The Guardian—Brazil and Argentina Unite in Protest Against Culture of Sexual Violence—3 June 2016

Fox Latino— Thousands March in Argentina to Protest Violent Attacks on Women—4 June 2016

SBS—Thousands Protest at Brazil Rape Culture—4 June 2016

Historic Sentencing for Operation Condor Military Officials

By Cintia Garcia

Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina— In a historic human rights trial, Argentina’s last dictator and 14 military officials were sentenced to prison for their role in Operation Condor. Former general and Argentine dictator from 1982-83, Reynaldo Bignone, 88-years-old, was sentenced to 20 years of prison. Bignone was found guilty for illicit association, kidnapping and the disappearance of more than 100 people. He is already serving life sentences for various human rights violations.

Former Military Officials Stand Trial (Photo courtesy of the BBC)

In addition, Uruguayan army colonel, Manuel Cordero Piacentini was sentenced for his crimes against humanity. Argentine former general, Santiago Riveros was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Miguel Angel Furci, Argentine intelligence officer was sentenced to 25 years for illegally arresting and torturing dozens. The sentences among the defendants ranged from 8 to 25 years in prison. Since the trial began, five defendants have died, including Jorge Rafael Videla, former head of Argentina’s first junta.

The case against the former military officials began in 2013 in the domestic court of Argentina. This case marks the first time a domestic court has tried ex-military officials. The claim was brought forth by the victim’s families. The verdicts are a milestone for those affected by Operation Condor because it is the first time the conspiracy has been proven to exist. The evidence presented included testimonies by the families, victims, and documents such as a declassified FBI cable from 1976. The prosecutors were able to piece together the coordinated operation through an overwhelming amount of documents from the United States and South American archives.

Operation Condor was a US backed plan created by South American dictators to eliminate opponents and leftist. The operation lasted from mid 1970s to the early 80s. The countries that created and enforced the operation were Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Brazil. The South American countries would meet and use their police powers to track the opponents and leftist. The dissidents were captured, kidnapped, tortured and disappeared. Many of their remains continue to be unaccounted for. In addition, the children of the women who were kidnapped were taken away from their mothers and given to other families, such as military officials. According to UNESCO’s International Center for the Promotion of Human Rights, there were 376 Operation Condor victims.

In regards to the role of the United States during Operation Condor, President Obama has promised to release all documents and records. In a statement, President Obama announced, “I believe we have a responsibility to confront the past with honesty and transparency.”

For more information, please see:

ABC NEWS – Argentine Court Sentences Ex- Dictator for Operation Condor – 27 May 2016

BBC – Operation Condor: Landmark Human Rights Trial Reached Finale – 27 May 2016

The Guardian – Argentina’s Last Military Dictator Jailed Over Role in Operation Condor – 27 May 201

Washington Post – A Look at the Operation Condor Conspiracy in South America – 27 May 2016

Peace Talks Leads to Release of Child Soldiers

By Cintia Garcia

Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

Bogota, Colombia— On Sunday March 15 in Havana, Cuba, the government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed forces of Colombia (FARC) reached an agreement to release child soldiers from the FARC’s ranks. Both parties have agreed to release all children under the age of 15 from FARC, and FARC has agreed that they will no longer recruit children within this age range. In addition, the government of Colombia and FARC will develop a plan to release child soldiers under the age of 18. Furthermore, the agreement also proposes the creation of a reintegration plan that will assist in transitioning the child soldiers into society.

Child Soldier in Colombia. (Photo Courtesy of Colombia Reports)

The priority of the government of Colombia is to ensure the safety and the release of any child under the age of 15. FARC will assist the government of Colombia in finding and identifying any child who falls within this age group for their departure from the non-state military. Although FARC claimed it only had knowledge of 20 children under age 15 currently serving FARC, it has been confirmed that 170 children will be released. Upon the release of the child soldiers, FARC has asked the government of Colombia to not prosecute the child soldiers for crimes they have committed and provide them with “Victim Status.” About 100 boys and 70 girls will be released to UNICEF.

According to UNICEF, since 2013, the number of children soldiers that have been killed or injured under FARC has dropped by 40%. Additionally, in the past 17 years 60% of the 6,000 children that have left the rebel military belong to FARC.

UNICEF has been an integral partner during the peace talks in ensuring the children of FARC are reintegrated with their families and into society. UNICEF representative, Roberto de Bernardi, announced that UNICEF “stands ready to support the release of all children and their reintegration into their families and communities, in accordance with national and international law.”

The historic announcement comes amidst three years of peace talks between the government of Colombia and FARC. The peace talks are being held in Havana, Cuba with the goal of reaching a cease fire by the end of this year. FARC is the most mobilized rebel group in Colombia. Since the peace talks began, the number of fighters within FARC has reduced to about 8,000 through the voluntary disarmament, demobilization and reintegration program.

For more information, please see: 

BBC – Colombia and Farc Rebels Agreed Child Soldier Deal—16 May 2016

Colombia Reports—Farc to Release 170 Child Soldiers: Colombia’s Defense Minister—19 May 2016

New York Times—Colombia and FARC Rebels Reach a Deal to Free Child Soldiers—15 May 2016

Newsweek—FARC Rebel Rehab Hopes to Create Lasting Peace in Colombia—24 April 2016

UNICEF—UNICEF Welcomes FARC’s Announcement to Release all Children in its Rank—16 May 2016

7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Ecuador

By Kaitlyn Degnan
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

QUITO, Ecuador — Ecuador was hit with a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on the evening of Saturday, April 16. It was the largest earthquake in Ecuador since 1979. The epicenter of the quake hit the coastal city of Muisne. The initial quake was followed by a series of aftershocks, the largest of which reached 5.6. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has announced that any threat of tsunami has “mostly passed.”

President Correra was attending a conference at the Vatican over the weekend when the earthquake struck. He has cut short his trip and is returning to Ecuador. He has declared a national emergency, and a state of emergency in 6 of the country’s 24 province, giving the government expanded powers. 10,000 soldiers and 3,500 police officers have been dispatched to affected areas.  Venezuela, Mexico and Colombia are sending personnel and supplies, and President Correra has requested international assistance.

Residents stand outside a destroyed home in the devastated area of Pedernales, Ecuador. (Photo courtesy of the New York Times.)

Pedernales, a beachy tourist area has been “devastated.” 135 aftershocks occurred in that area alone. Vice President Jorge Glas travelled to the area on Sunday morning, reporting that “people [are] trapped in various places and we are starting rescue operations.” Pedernales’ mayor Gabriel Alcivar called the situation “catastrophic.”

In the capitol city of Quito, buildings swayed for 40 seconds and people rushed out into the streets. The quake knocked out electricity and cell phone reception in several areas. Rock slides were reported on several roads leading to the city, but no deaths were reported in the city.

As of about noon on Sunday, 233 people were reported to have died, and about 1,500 more injured in the quake. That number is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.

Ecuador is no stranger to earthquakes. The country sits in the Pacific’s “Ring of Fire,” which sees frequent seismic activity. Seven earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.0 or greater have struck the country since 1990. The Ecuadorian earthquake follows deadly 6.2 and 7.0 earthquakes in Japan earlier in the week.

 

For more information, please see:

BBC – Ecuador earthquake of 7.8 magnitude kills dozens – 17 April 2016

CNN – Ecuador earthquake: Death toll jumps to 233; more than 1,500 wounded – 17 April 2016

New York Times – Earthquake in Ecuador Kills more than 230, President Says – 17 April 2016

Reuters – Earthquake kills 233 in Ecuador, devastates coast zone – 17 April 2016

TeleSur – UPDATE: 233 Died in the Powerful Ecuador Earthquake – 17 April 2016

Voice of America – Death Toll in Ecuador Quake Triples; 233 Killed – 17 April 2016