Argentina asked Spain to extradite Isabel Peron, whom has been living in Spain since 81, for human rights violations associated with the disappearance of two leftist activists in 1976. Peron was also accused of being involved with the with activities of the paramilitary squad, whom according to ” Argentine investigators [have] kidnapped and killed about 1,500 government opponents, including politicians, lawyers and journalists.” The National Court located in Madrid denied the claims of Argentina on the basis that they “charges did not constitute crimes against humanity and that therefore the statute of limitations had expired.”

The response of the National Court is confusing to me, maybe because I am not an international law expert and know little on the subject. What I find fascinating is that Spain jumped on the opportunity to extradite Pinochet, but not to take a look into Peron as her presidency was followed by the Dirty War. Spain listened to Chile when they wanted Pinochet back to Chile to try him there, so maybe Argentina needs to try ask of the same. Prosecution of human rights offenders in Latin America is stalemate. Some countries like Guatemala, are still awaking trials and justice. One thing I know about international law is that is is complicated. Therefore, I just may not know enough about international court to fully comprehend the legal situation, however I know that justice may never come for Argentina whether Peron is tried there, and it appears that she won’t be tired abroad either. Another interesting phrase, or food for thought, is from the article was that Peron has been branded as a “ineffectual leader” meaning that any of her mistakes were not her own as her decisions were based upon her advisers. My take on the subject is that as a leader one takes upon the responsibilities of the events that occur within that country. Mistakes under ones rule, is that rulers mistakes for they were weak to let another make a decision for them, and can simply be put as guilty by association.