Argentine priest gets life sentence for crimes during 'dirty war'

Published: 2007-10-10

LA PLATA, Argentina (CNS) -- The first Catholic priest in Argentina to face charges of human rights violations committed during the country's military dictatorship was given a life sentence. The historic ruling is expected to set a legal precedent and push the church into the spotlight for its alleged role in the country's 1976-1983 "dirty war." Father Christian von Wernich, 67, was found guilty of collaborating in seven murders, 31 cases of torture and 42 kidnappings during his time as police chaplain in clandestine detention centers in Buenos Aires during the dictatorship. He also was found guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity. The verdict was met by a roar of delight inside the courtroom Oct. 9. Thousands of human rights activists who had gathered outside the court for the verdict set off fireworks and burned an effigy in celebration. "Today, the complicity of the church is being brought to justice," said Taty Almeyda, one of the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, who have lobbied for 30 years in the name of their missing children.

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