Army chief César Milani (R) is sworn in during a ceremony at the government house
This time it has been the international NGO to raise its voice against the appointment of César Milani as Argentina’s Army head, saying accusations about the lieutenant-general’s alleged involvement in human rights violations during the country’s last civil-military dictatorship were “credible.”
In an official statement, Human Rights Watch questioned Milani’s capacity to lead the Army despite the position of “victims and human rights organizations” that have denounced his “participation” in “serious abuses” committed during the 1976-1983 dark period. Although HRW pointed out the new Army chief has not been condemned “for any of such alleged crimes,” the organization did consider the accusations “credible.”
In that sense, the New York-based group explained that “legal documents” show César Milani had approved the “desertion” of soldier Alberto Ledo in 1976 but that it was then proved that Ledo had been another victim of a bloody process of forced disappearances conducted by the military more than three decades ago and that cost the lives of 30,000 here.
Human Rights Watch added the Army head has “admitted” that he had taken part in the «transfer of prisoners to judicial authorities” but that he rejected having “direct contact” with the detainees.
“It is widely known that police officers were subordinated to the military at that time,” the NGO that promotes the investigation and defence of human rights around the world stated.
buenosairesherald.com