by Emilee Gaebler
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America 

SANTIAGO, Chile ­– Chilean judge, Jorge Zepeda has issued an indictment of former US Captain Raymond E. Davis.  The indictment calls for the extradition of Davis to be tried by a Chilean court for his involvement in the murders of two American citizens.

In 1973, when the murder s of journalist Charles Horman and student Frank Teruggi occurred, Davis was the lead commander of the United States Military Group in Chile.  Both men were murdered in the aftermath of the military coup led by Augusto Pinochet that led to the assassination of socialist President Salvador Allende.

Horman and Teruggi were both supporters of the American Information Source (FIN) which was a left wing group that supported President Allende in the years before the coup.  Horman disappeared on 17 September 1973 and his body was found more than a month later.  He had been shot multiple times and his body showed signs of torture.

Teruggi was taken from his home in Santiago days after the coup and detained at the National Stadium, what Pinochet used as a detention center after his coup.  He was murdered on the 21 or 22 of September 1973 and his body was found in the streets of Santiago.

The media coverage of the two murders seemed to culminate in the award-winning movie “Missing” in 1982.  The film promoted Joyce Horman’s allegations that her husband Charles had been murdered due to his inadvertent knowledge of the CIA involvement in the coup. 

The film led to a libel lawsuit, brought by a number of government officials outraged at the way in which they were portrayed in the film.  The libel lawsuit was eventually dismissed but no answers to the homicides ever emerged.

 Then, in 2000, Joyce Horman filed a criminal suit to revive the case.  In 2001 the Chilean court asked for testimony from former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger about the role of US intelligence in the case.   Judge Zepeda has made use of many declassified US documents in finally bringing about justice in this case.

In his request for extradition, Zepeda describes Davis as being in a position of authority which would have allowed him to stop the murders from occurring but that he chose not to do so due to his coordination efforts with the Chilean army to place Pinochet in power. 

 Captain Davis has denied any knowledge or role in the murders throughout the years.  In an article just released by the Washington Post, his wife Patricia states that Davis is in a nursing home and suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease.

The US Embassy in Santiago released a statement that noted they would not comment on specific cases but that the US government supports through investigations into the murders so that those responsible are brought to justice.

 

For more information, please see:

Merco Press – Chile Requests Extradition of Former US Army Officer Allegedly Involved in the 1973 Killing of two US Citizens – 1 December 2011

The Washington Post National – Wife of Former US Navy Captain Sought for Extradition to Chile Says he has Alzheimer’s – 1 December 2011

The Santiago Times – Chilean Judge Indicts Former US Officer Over Coup Killings – 30 November 2011

BBC News – Chile Seeks Ray Davis Extradition Over 1973 Coup Murder – 29 November 2011

CNN International – Chilean Judge Indicts US Military Official in 1973 Killings – 29 November 2011

USA Today – Chilean Judge Charges Ex-US Military Officer – 28 November 2011

by Emilee Gaebler
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

LIMA, Peru – Joran Van der Sloot, the Dutch citizen accused of murdering Peruvian student, Stephany Flores, has brought a suit demanding US $10 million in damages from the Chilean government.  Van der Sloot claims that his human rights were violated in extraditing him from Chile to Peru.  He has filed his claim with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

In the petition Van der Sloot names the Chilean government, the former Peruvian President Alan García, former Peruvian Minister of the Interior Octavio Salazar, the Chilean police generals Miguel Hidalgo and Cesar Guardia and even the father of his victim, Ricardo Flores.

The claims made by Van der Sloot are varied.  First he claims that then-Peruvian President García used pressure to force the Chilean government to extradite him to Peru in May of 2010.  Next, is his contention that when he was taken into custody, Chilean police refused to allow him access to a phone or any other form of communication to speak with his family.   Van der Sloot also says he was denied the right to legal counsel and a fair trial.

This is not the first complaint that Van der Sloot has made about violations of his rights.  A previous suit was filed alleging that Peruvian officials did not have a warrant for his arrest and that he was denied a translator which lead to his confusion during initial questioning.  Peruvian courts dismissed this claim.

Van der Sloot’s current complaint was filed just days after a judge’s ruling that he would stand trial for the murder of Stephany Flores beginning on 6 January.  On 30 May 2010, Flores’ body was found in Van der Sloot’s hotel room in the Miraflores neighborhood of Lima.  Hotel employees witnessed Van der Sloot and Flores entering the room together and then 4 hours later Van der Sloot left the room alone.

On 3 June 2010 he was picked up by Chilean police as he tried to flee from Santiago.  Initially, he confessed to murdering Flores, but later retracted his statements

“The girl intruded into my private life. … We argued, and she tried to escape. I grabbed her by the neck, and I hit her,” was Van der Sloot’s alleged statement to police. 

Police believe, from his statements at the time, that he killed Flores in a fit of anger as she used his laptop to find out about his role in the Natalee Holloway case.  Van der Sloot is widely believed to have murdered 18 year old Holloway.  She disappeared in 2005 from Aruba and he remains the lead suspect; however he has never been indicted due to a lack of evidence.

Peruvian prosecutors are going for a 30 year life sentence for the combined murder and robbery of Flores.  They are also seeking a restitution payment that would go to her family.  Originally, the death sentence was sought by the Flores family against Van der Sloot.

 

For more information, please see;

Radio Netherlands – Van der Sloot Sues Chile for 10m Dollars – 30 November 2011

NY Daily News – Joran Van der Sloot Sues Lima Murder Victim’s Dad, ex-Peruvian President – 29 November 2011

The Huffington Post – Joran Van der Sloot  Names Former President and Stephany Flores Father in $10 Million Lawsuit – 28 November 2011

Peru This Week – Van der Sloot Names Former President García in $10 Million Suit – 28 November 2011

The Santiago Times – Dutch Murder Suspect to Sue Chilean State – 28 November 2011

By Paula Buzzi
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

SANTIAGO, Chile — An event in an upscale neighborhood honoring former military officer Miguel Krassnoff left seven people injured on Monday, including six police officers, as approximately 1000 human rights activists protested against the ceremony. Krassnoff has been imprisoned since 2005 after being convicted of homicide, kidnapping and torture during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.

The event, which was first announced last week, was meant to serve as a platform to launch a book paying homage to Krassnoff and written by historian Gisela Silva Encina. Several hundred people were in attendance. The event was organized by right wing mayor of Santiago’s Providencia district, Cristian Labbe, who, like Krassnoff, was a former member of the Pinochet-era National Intelligence Directorate.

Director of the association for Relatives of the Detained and Disappeared, Mireya Garcia, believes Labbe should not have been involved in a ceremony of this particular nature. “He was elected by popular vote and as such it’s his duty to represent all residents of Providencia, not just one sector,” he said. Juan Antonio Coloma, head of Chile’s right-wing UDI party, also believed this ceremony was a mistake.

Activist Lorena Pizarro, president of a group of families of the detained and disappeared, is planning on suing Labbe if she finds that he used public funds to plan the event. “The possibility of paying homage to Miguel Krassnoff … is a product of the impunity we’re living with in the country,” she states. Despite the criticism, Labbe is still planning on seeking re-election in October 2012.

Demonstrators protesting against the homage clashed with Krassnoff supporters and police who used tear gas to control them. Many protestors threw rocks and eggs at police, and two protestors, including the daughter of a torture victim, assaulted a local Krassnoff supporter who was chanting “Long live Pinochet.” A total of nine protestors were arrested.

Krassnoff is currently serving a 144-year sentence at a special prison at an army base for crimes against humanity during the Pinochet dictatorship (1973-1990). He was charged in 23 separate cases, and has been connected to 128 deaths or disappearances and 18 instances of torture. He has not yet expressed any remorse for his big role in the kidnappings and tortures of government opponents during Pinochet’s rule.

Krassnoff’s victims include among many others: social historian Gabriel Salazar, head of the Chilean Legal Medical Service  Patricio Bustos, Socialist Dep. Osvaldo Andrade, board member for Chile’s public television station, TVN, Marcia Scantlebury, and possibly former President Michelle Bachelet. Bachelet has stated that she believes Krassnoff was present during her torture but is not completely sure because her eyes were covered the entire time.

Approximately 3,095 people were killed or disappeared during Pinochet’s dictatorship according to a national commission.

Criticism from human rights groups regarding the event has affected some members of Chile’s current government. Despite having declined the invitation to attend the event,  Chile’s President Miguel Juan Sebastián Piñera has been criticized for not taking action to stop the event from occurring. His advisor, Andrea Ojeda, who also declined the invitation, resigned after being criticized for writing “best wishes of success” in her RSVP letter.

 

For further information, please see:

ABC News – Chileans Protest Pro-Pinochet Tribute; 7 Injured – 22 November 2011

Fox News Latino – Anti-Pinochet Protest In Chile Leaves 7 Injured – 22 November 2011

NTDTV – Major Clashes in Chile over Tribute to Controversial Former Official– 23 November 2011

Santiago Times – Chileans Gather to Honor, And Shame, Former Pinochet Agent – 22 November 2011

Washington Post – Tear Gas Fired, 7 Hurt as Chileans Protest Tribute to Ex-Colonel of Pinochet Regime – 22 November 2011

by Emilee Gaebler
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay – Tensions between Paraguay and Brazil have recently soared with the mobilization of Brazilian troops along the border of the two countries.  Brazil’s movements just across from the Paraguayan state of Alto Paraná have been attributed to a Brazilian plan to impede the illegal drug shipments occurring at the border.

Paraguayans view the troops in a more suspicious light and link it to the recent unrest between Paraguayan peasants and Brazilian land-owners.  The escalating and at times violent confrontations revolve around allegations of corruption in the Paraguayan government allowing Brazilian farmers to occupy land illegally.

These land disputes across the countryside have resulted in reports of shootings.  In September of this year, Brazilian police and Paraguayan armed forces were thought to have exchanged fire.  Multiple skirmishes have occurred between the Paraguayan police and the landless peasant movement.  There has also been fighting between the peasants and armed militias, which have been formed by Brazilian farmers.

Most compelling in this recent development is the reality of Brazilian troops occupying the Friendship Bridge in the border town of Ciudad de Este.  What began as sporadic occupation is now a perpetual presence by all three branches of the Brazilian forces; air force, army and navy.  Foremost in many citizen’s minds are memories of the violent war, which occurred just over a century ago, and the subsequent Brazilian occupation of Paraguay.

Alfonso Gonzalez Nuñez, head of the Paraguayan delegation to the Paralsur, characterized the Brazilian troops as “provocative military intimidation” and points out that the huge display by Brazil of both troops and equipment are in an area that is legally protected from any type of military occupation due to international treaties regulating border relations of neighboring states.

Brazil has adamantly defended its actions with the need to establish checkpoints, along the border, to stop the smuggling of drugs and weapons that go to the gangs in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janiero.  They refer to the mission as “Agata 2” and plan to extend it along the border shared with Uruguay.

For now the border has not been breached by Brazilian troops so a tense acknowledgement and acceptance of their presence is the Paraguayan approach.  Paraguay’s president, Fernando Lugo, a former bishop who worked extensively with the landless poor of the country, has displayed a firm stance on the matter.

“[N]ot even one millimeter of the territorial sovereignty of the country can be bothered.  If that happens, the Paraguayan reaction will be swift,” was President Lugo’s statement.

 

For more information, please see;

In Sight – Paraguay Slams Brazil’s Militarization of Border – 21 November 2011

Merco Press – Paraguayan Lawmakers Accuse Brazil of “Provocative Military Intimidation” – 21 November 2011

New York Times – Drills Heighten Brazil-Paraguay Tension – 23 October 2011

Merco Press – Brazil Deploys 7,000 Troops Along Southern Borders to Combat Organized Crime – 20 September 2011

by Emilee Gaebler
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America 

BRÁSILIA, Brazil – This past Friday, an indigenous leader of the Guarani tribe was shot to death in front of his people.  Nisio Gomes was the 59 year old leader of an indigenous tribe that had recently returned to their ancestral land amid controversy.

Witnesses report that 40 gunmen assaulted the tribe early Friday morning in the southwestern region of Mato Grosso do Sul.  Gomes was shot in the head, arms, chest and legs and then his body was dragged away to a location that is still undetermined.  Gomes’ son was shot with rubber bullets when he tried to intervene and stop the attackers.  It is reported by Al Jazeera news agency that three other Guarani tribal members were also taken in the attack.

Police believe at this time that the gunmen were hired by local ranchers; attempting to remove the presence of the Guarani.  The tribe had been evicted earlier due to a dispute with the cattle ranchers regarding land ownership.  The tribe had recently returned to the area, in early November, setting up camp near the town of Amambai.

“Everything indicates that ranchers, who want the land to raise cattle and plant sugarcane, hired the gunmen to get rid of Gomes, who was an outspoken defender of Indian rights,” said Renato Santana the spokesman for the Indian Missionary Council.

The identities of the gunmen have yet to be released.  The state-run newspaper, Agencia Brasil, reports that identification of the shooters will be near impossible as they covered their faces.

In the Mato Grosso do Sul region, roughly 50,000 indigenous people live in extreme poverty and are constantly fighting ranchers for rights to the land.  The region is coveted by the ranchers because it is prime cattle raising land.  On the other side of the battle are the indigenous Guarani, who are attempting to defend it as tribal lands guaranteed to them by the Brazilian constitution.

Human rights activists have arrived to conduct investigations into what is being termed by the Brazilian government as a systematic campaign of violence towards the Guarani people.  Officials report that in the past eight years over 250 Guarani people have been killed in the Mato Grosso do Sul state alone.

“The people will stay in the camp; we will all die here together. We are not going to leave our ancestral land,” was the statement of one Guarani to the Roman Catholic Indigenous Missionary Council.

 

For more information, please see;

Aljazeera – Brazilian Indigenous Leader Killed – 20 November 2011

BBC – Brazil Indigenous Guarani Leader Nisio Gomes Killed – 18 November 2011

CNN – Brazilian Indigenous Chief Executed, Dragged by Gunmen – 18 November 2011

The New York Times – Brazil: Chief Killed in Land Dispute – 18 November 2011