South America - Thursday, September 18, 2008 18:49 - 0 Comments

Argentine rallies for missing man

By Daniel Schweimler BBC News, Buenos Aires

A huge campaign of marches, vigils, speeches and art is being held in Argentina, aimed at ensuring that a retired builder is not forgotten. Julio Lopez, 78, is a name that everyone in Argentina recognizes.

He disappeared two years ago after appearing as a witness in a major human rights trial. Mr Lopez has become a symbol in the fight for justice for the atrocities committed by Argentina’s military government in the 1970s and 80s.

He was a victim twice over. He was kidnapped and tortured by the authorities working for the Argentine military which governed between 1976 and 1983. Then two years ago, he gave evidence in the trial of police chief Miguel Etchecolatz. But the day before the policeman was sentenced to life in prison for human rights atrocities, Mr Lopez disappeared. Continue…