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.

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