Franco victims greet Argentine probe
Franco victims greet Argentine probe
Published: September 23, 2013 Updated 2 hours ago
By CIARAN GILES — Associated Press
MADRID — Three people who claim they were tortured during Spain's Franco dictatorship said Monday they hope arrest warrants issued last week by Argentina will help bring some of the perpetrators to justice and finally open up a public debate on one of the country's darkest periods.
The three told reporters of routine arrests, beatings and torture during the near-40-year dictatorship that have never been investigated in Spain. One victim, Maria Rumin, 55, said she wanted "everyone to know who these people are and what they did."
Gen. Francisco Franco ruled Spain from 1939 until his death in 1975. He took over the country after leading a rebellion against a democratically elected government, thus starting the Spanish Civil War in 1936.
The fact that Argentina got involved in this case appears to be another indication of how Spanish governments since Franco's death have adhered to a tacit agreement not to use this dark chapter in the country's history for political purposes. Some believe that has forced Spain to steer clear of measures that could have helped heal old wounds.
More:
http://www.mercedsunstar.com/2013/09/23/3238210/franco-victims-greet-argentine.html#storylink=cpy
