Truth Takes a Bow

The affair took place in Argentina and had many elements of a tango: suffering and forgiveness, whining and complaining, lies and reproaches. But at the end of the dance, truth prevailed.

Last week, Judge Maria Laura Garrigos ruled that journalist Horacio Verbitsky and his newspaper would not be punished for a column disputing President Carlos Menem’s personal history. Menem had sued over a piece published in 1992. As chief of the armed forces, the president had authorized the promotions of two naval officers who had admittedly tortured people during Argentina’s “dirty war.” Menem explained that since he was himself tortured while imprisoned during that struggle against dictatorship, which lasted from 1976 to 1983, he had the moral authority to forgive and forget.

After thorough investigation, the journalist found that Menem had never been tortured. Jailed, yes, but tortured, no--though his jail mates said they considered him a bit of a crybaby. Menem, the reporter discovered, had also spent part of his detention in the relatively cushy job of tending a small-town general store. Verbitzky produced an old magazine with Menem pictured behind the counter and an interview in which the future president confided he had learned to cook during those days.

When the column was published, Menem said he felt betrayed, dishonored and libeled. He sued. But Judge Garrigos ruled that in Argentina, today, those who write the truth are not to be punished. Deep bow, end of tango.