The Uruguayan elections Oct. 25 had as much to do with the country’s future as it did with its past. On the ballot was a referendum for an “Expiry Law” or amnesty for those police and military officials involved in the human rights abuses of thousands
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between 1973 and 1985. The Expiry Law was passed by a public referendum in 1989. Under the current administration of Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez, prosecutions of some of the major players in those crimes have been pursued with the help of testimony from former police and military officials who were involved but had amnesty. However, after 20 years of the Expiry Law, the country’s mood may have changed. Just last week, the Uruguayan Supreme Court issued a ruling that the law was unconstitutional – a decision that legal scholars believe may have broad application. Also last week, the country’s last military dictator was given a 25-year prison sentence for murder and human rights violations during his rule.
On Monday’s “Riz Khan” show we asked, “What’s next as Uruguay tries to resolve its past and should human rights abusers ever be given amnesty?” Joining the programme from Uruguay was Felipe Michelini, a politician and son of former senator, Zelmar Michelini, who was assassinated during the military dictatorship in Uruguay. Also joining the programme from Colombia was Javier Ciurlizza, the Americas Director for the International Center for Transitional Justice.
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