Argentina: Court Strikes Down Military Amnesty

In a landmark victory against impunity, Argentina's Supreme Court struck down two amnesty laws that prevent military officers from facing prosecution for human rights violations. Human Rights Watch has long pressed for the repeal of these laws, which allow hundreds of military officials to escape accountability for their role in the abductions, torture and killings committed during the country's military dictatorship from 1976 to 1983. At least 14,000 people were 'disappeared' during that time, known as Argentina's 'dirty war.' In meetings with the Argentine government in 2003, we called for an end to amnesty laws; Argentina's Congress annulled these laws that same year. Human Rights Watch hopes that the recent Supreme Court decision will set a precedent for other countries in the region, such as Chile, Uruguay, and Colombia, where amnesty laws still exist. Read more about the Supreme Court's ruling.