The Ministry of Defense announced the dismissal of 23 military personnel who had a final sentence for crimes against humanity. The measure was published in the Official Bulletin and later replicated on social media. In a report to Noticias Argentinas, sources from the ministry led by Luis Petri explained that the decision did not originate from them, but that they simply "complied" with a judicial order.
"The Justice instructed us to dismiss these military personnel because they have a final sentence for crimes against humanity. We simply complied with the order of the Justice, that is all," they stated. According to the Ministry, the dismissals were not the result of a unilateral decision from the department, but rather an order from the National Judiciary, which was notified by the Public Prosecutor's Office, "mandating compliance with the measure" affecting the 23 military agents charged.
The national prosecutor of Administrative Investigations, Sergio Rodríguez, was the one who officially requested the dismissals of these personnel. The request was sent to Minister Petri, the chief of the Argentine Navy, Carlos María Allievi, and the chief of the Argentine Air Force, Fernando Luis Mengo. "I request the reinstatement or requirement of the dismissals of the retired agents from these institutions who have been convicted with final sentences for crimes against humanity," concluded the request.
Meanwhile, the Prosecutor's Office of Administrative Investigations stated that they requested "the initiation of summary proceedings to clarify the facts and possible responsibilities regarding the alleged irregularities that occurred in the information provided." It was also mentioned that the convictions are final and that all appeals have been exhausted, after the military personnel were convicted for "serious violations of Human Rights."
