News of dictatorship

‘Sadism is not a political ideology nor a strategy of war, but a moral perversion’

28-03-2026 05:53 Populism, on the left and on the right, has wrecked havoc, helping to exacerbate the decline of traditional democratic values. It’s a shame that the defence of human rights has become fodder for culture wars and polarisation.

by Agustino Fontevecchia

‘Tell us where they are’ – Rights groups renew call for answers

24-03-2026 21:02 Statement read out onstage at coup anniversary march by rights groups, including Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo and Madres de Plaza de Mayo, contained sharp criticism of Javier Milei’s government and pleaded for new information about the disappeared and missing grandchildren.

Historians discuss Milei, memory and dictatorship, 50 years on from coup

24-03-2026 00:46 Historians Camila Perochena and Felipe Pigna discuss the facts behind the 1976 coup, its current impact on politics and the Milei government’s stance on state terrorism and rights abuses.

Paris campus steps in after Argentine residence removes dictatorship plaque

23-03-2026 18:57 Paris university campus to install dictatorship victims plaque after dispute; Cité Internationale Universitaire will install its own memorial amid concerns over politics and neutrality at Maison de l’Argentine.

50 tales for 50 years: Book collects personal stories of dictatorship’s crimes

22-03-2026 00:07 'La Retaguardia,' media outlet specialising in coverage of trials probing crimes against humanity during the military dictatorship, has compiled accounts drawn from court files and testimonies given in court.

by Giselle Leclercq

Trials into crimes against humanity press on amid political tensions

21-03-2026 00:09 Thousands investigated, hundreds convicted, but ageing suspects, slow courts and political pressure threaten progress. As the 50th anniversary of coup d’état draws nears, government criticism raises concerns over accountability for crimes against humanity.

by James Grainger

Milei government declassifies SIDE intelligence files from 1973-1983

19-03-2026 19:28 Intelligence documents from years during and leading up dictatorship declassified; Publication of historical documents "strengthens" institutional framework of the National Intelligence System and its responsible relationship with society," says government.

Argentina’s Church leaders says ‘never again’ as coup anniversary nears

19-03-2026 16:14 One cannot move forward without memory, say Church leaders in communiqué marking 50th anniversary of the March 24, 1976 coup; Bishop warns against authoritarianism and calls on state to “defend democracy” and the most vulnerable.

Government hails Army chief appointment, opposition voices criticism

23-11-2025 10:06 Milei, Caputo, Bullrich and Adorni welcome the arrival of Monteoliva and Presti – but Peronist leaders brands appointment of new Defence chief “enormous step backwards.”

Milei puts military back in charge of defence after 42 years of civilian rule

23-11-2025 09:57 President Javier Milei names Lieutenant General Carlos Presti, current head of the Army, as Argentina’s new defence minister; Opposition criticises move as "step backwards"; Since December 1983, when Raúl Alfonsín began his Presidency following the end of military dictatorship, all post-holders have been civilians.

The battle by Chile torture site dwellers to remain

19-05-2025 13:51 Villa Baviera, a German-themed settlement of 122 souls in southern Chile, looks like the perfect holiday getaway. But Colonia Dignidad, as it was previously known, is a byword for horror during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.

Netflix’s 'El Eternauta' echoes fight against tyranny, says Darín

30-04-2025 21:20 Ricardo Darín defends Buenos Aires from an alien attack in new Netflix series 'El Eternauta,' based on the legendary graphic novel written by Héctor Oesterheld and illustrated by Francisco Solano López.

Dictatorship-era torturer ‘El Turco Julián’ dies in jail

26-03-2025 09:59 Former Federal Police officer Julio Héctor Simón, who tortured his victims at the ‘El Olimpo’ clandestine detention centre and commanded task forces entrusted with the abduction and disappearance of persons, dies aged 84 while serving time for three convictions of crimes against humanity.

'Nunca más’ – Massive march in Argentina, 49 years after coup

24-03-2025 20:11 Tens of thousands take to streets to remember dictatorship’s crimes and challenge President Javier Milei’s government.

Milei vs the Music: Free Milo J show at ex-ESMA blocked

13-02-2025 16:48 National government blocks performance by chart-topping star at ex-ESMA clandestine detention centre, prompting anger from artist’s camp.

Nicaragua legislature cements 'absolute power' of president, wife

31-01-2025 14:58 Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo consolidate their absolute command of power in Nicaragua – as president and “co-president,” they will control all branches of government and civil society, according to the troubled nation's latest constitutional reform.

Documentary brings dictatorship 'death flights' trauma to big screen

20-09-2024 16:44 Director Nicolás Gil Lavedra premieres new film 'Traslados,' an investigative documentary on a very dark chapter of the nation’s not-too-distant history: the “death flights” carried out by the 1976-1983 military dictatorship.

Argentine seeks military trial in Italy over dictatorship deaths

09-09-2024 15:55 Lieutenant colonel Carlos Luis Malatto, accused of the murder of eight people during the country's military dictatorship from 1976 to 1983, seeks a military trial in Italy.

Milei shutters special unit probing dictatorship-era abduction of minors

14-08-2024 13:37 Decree signed by President Milei closes special unit dedicated to investigating the kidnapping and disappearance of children during 1976-1983 dictatorship; Government justifies move on grounds it violates separation of powers; Latest in a series of controversial steps on human rights.

30,000? The debate about how many were disappeared in Argentina

10-08-2024 06:55 How many people went missing in Argentina in total as victims of state terrorism and forced disappearances during the 1976-1983 military dictatorship? And why is it important to differentiate between those categories in order to clear up debates, even when installed due to cruelty or cynicism? Why does the canonic figure of 30,000 continue to be so powerful? And what can academic research contribute?