Argentina Frees 2 Junta Members, Guerrilla Leader
Former military junta members Jorge R. Videla and Roberto E. Viola and guerrilla leader Mario Firmenich were granted pardons Saturday by Argentine President Carlos Saul Menem.
Videla and Viola ruled Argentina during one of its bloodiest periods. The two have been imprisoned since 1984 for responsibility in the so-called “Dirty War,” the 1976-83 dictatorship’s crackdown on left-wing guerrillas and political dissidents.
Videla, 65, a former army commander who became president after the armed forces toppled President Maria Estela Peron in March, 1976, was serving a life term.
Viola, 66, succeeded Videla as the army’s commander in 1978 and became president in March, 1981. He was removed in a palace coup in December, 1981. He was serving a 17-year term.
Firmenich, 42, was the leader of the defunct Montonero guerrilla organization, Argentina’s largest and deadliest guerrilla group. He was serving a 30-year term for his role in murders and kidnapings.
Other former officers and officials tied to the junta are expected to be pardoned soon by Menem.
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