Argentina's top Olympic official resigns after linked to military dictatorship

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Argentina's top Olympic official resigns after linked to military dictatorship
Date: 18/09/2008



SEPTEMBER 18 - ARGENTINE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE president Julio Cassanello (pictured) has resigned after questions about his role in the country's 1970s military dictatorship.

Cassanello sent a letter of resignation to the committee of the Comité Olímpico Argentino (COA) late on Tuesday.

Human rights groups say Cassanello, the Mayor of a Buenos Aires suburb from 1970 to 1982, should be held responsible for the disappearance of two leftist militants during his term.

Thousands of militants died during Argentina's "dirty war" crackdown on dissent.

Cassanello said political and personal interests and a "relentless media operative" forced him out of the presidency.



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