Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Something good out of Orlando


Former Chilean military official found liable for killing of Victor Jara
A Florida jury on Monday found a former Chilean army officer liable for the 1973 torture and murder of the folk singer and political activist Victor Jara, awarding $28m in damages to his widow and daughters in one of the biggest and most significant legal human rights victories against a foreign war criminal in a US courtroom.

The verdict against Pedro Pablo Barrientos Nuñez after a two-week civil trial in Orlando’s federal court could now also pave the way for his extradition to face criminal murder charges in Chile related to his conduct during a CIA-backed coup that led to Augusto Pinochet’s 17-year military dictatorship and the deaths of almost 3,100 people.

Guardian, June 27

Sometimes the torturers are brought to justice -- or at least the truth is affirmed. Congratulations to the Center for Justice and Accountability for sticking with it.

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