Argentina Will Wait for Sentencing of Oppressors; Attempted Murder of Demobilized Paramilitary in Colombia; Indigenous Groups in Peru Revolt by Taking Installations

By Oscar J Barbosa

Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

SAN MIGUEL DE TUCUMÁN, Argentina – Antonio Bussi y Luciano Menéndez are Ex-military that ruled the region of Tucuman during the Argentinean dictatorship in the 70’s. Their court cases are the first to prosecute the responsible for hundreds of disappearances and killings of the opposition.  

Bussi is being tried for the 1976 disappearance of Guillermo Vargas Aignasse, ex-senator of the region.

For more information, please see:

La Voz - Bussi-Méndez: Ex policía declaró no recordar el acta de detención de Guillermo Vargas Aignasse – 14 August 2008

Primera Fuente - El 28 de agosto se leerá la sentencia para Bussi y Menéndez – 14 August 2008

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BOGOTA, Colombia - In the city of Barrancabermeja, a motorcycle hitman opened fired to a venue where demobilized paramilitaries attended sessions with psychologists. Three ex-paramilitaries and psychologists were harmed.

This happened a week after the Ex-leader of the AUC admitted to have killed over three thousand civilians.

For more information, please see:

Univisión - Colombia: 3 ex paramilitares heridos en ataque durante taller psicosocial – 14 August 2008

El Colombiano - Cuatro heridos dejó ataque contra desmovilizados en Barranca – 14 August 2008

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LIMA, Peru – Indigenous Peruvians launched a state-wide protest against government policies that threaten their communities.  In the Cusco Region, the Camisea gas field was taken, forcing a cease in extraction and evacuation of workers. The installations of the State owned Petroperu in Loreto were also taken by 800 indigenous. In the Amazonian region, the Aramango Hydrolectric was taken. In addition, more groups presented themselves at the oil pumping stations of Danten del Marañon and others blocked roads around the country. These manifestations aim to talks with the Government.

The groups feel threatened by the Free Trade Agreement with the US, and the 38 decrees being legislated that would legalize the privatization and mass takeover of the Amazonian Region.

For more information, please see:

Intercontinental Cry - Indigenous Peruvians Launch State-wide Protest – 13 August 2008

Root Force - Indigenous Peruvians Seize Energy Infrastructure – 12 August 2008

UK Reuters - Peru tribes take over part of Pluspetrol operation – 12 August 2008