Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Accusers Face El Salvadoran Colonel In TN

Colonel Nicholas Carranza, accused of torture and crimes against humanity for his role in the violence that swept thru El Salvador in the late 70s and 80s, has been living untouched and unnoticed for 20 years in Memphis, TN. However, on Monday Carranza was in court, facing charges and facing his accusers.

Questions about the murder and torture and crimes against humanity have been avoided over the last 20-plus years, as have questions about the CIA's claim that Carranza, who became a U.S. citzen in 1991, was a paid informant. The bloody destruction in Latin America in the 70s and 80s and CIA involvement has always been a murky story, no clear information, no desire in Washington to pursue it.

The lawsuit is jointly by the Tennessee-based firm Bass, Berry & Sims, PLC and the Center for Justice and Accountability. Lead counsel David Esquivel, recently named pro bono attorney of the year by the TN Bar Association stated:

Finally these plaintiffs will have an opportunity to tell their stories of survival to the jury. They have waited too long for justice, and I am honored to represent them in this action.

More on the story here, and the TN Independent Media Center is tracking the trial as well.

Given the nature of the crimes - wartime acts and torture - hopefully more reporting on this trial will occur.

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