12 April 2011

URUGUAY: Senate Predicted To Overturn Junta Crimes Amnesty Law.

AP/ M.HERALD/ R. Garces

    Despite the support of voters in two referendums, the senate is predicted to overturn amnesty provisions in a 1986 law for crimes against humanity...committed during the 1973-85 dictatorship.
    With the backing of leftist President Jose Mujica (pictured), the measure will return to the lower house for minor changes and could become law by 20 May.
    Courts could then begin to prosecute human rights violators.
   To date and unlike its neighbors, Uruguay has avoided prosecutions for human rights violations.
   Every 20 May, Uruguay honors the 174 political prisoners kidnapped and killed during the 12-year leftist cleansing.