Significance: The repeal of the controversial 'Ley de Caducidad', which prohibits the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed during Uruguay's military dictatorship (1973-1986), has become the most important political issue in the country. Some former guerrillas, now members of the ruling left-wing Frente Amplio (FA) coalition, have pushed hard for the initiative despite the fact that in effect the coalition, much like the country, is divided on the issue. Uruguay's decision to partially repeal the law, on the grounds that it allows for impunity over past human rights violations, may have repercussions in other countries in the region which still have similar laws in place.
Key points:
Uruguay came under international pressure to repeal the law after the Inter-American court of Human Rights (IACHR) ruled on 24 March that the Uruguayan state should open a proper investigation into the disappearance of María Claudia García Iruretagoyena de Gelman and pay US$180,000 in reparations to her abducted daughter, Macarena Gelman García. The long awaited IACHR ruling further afforded the proponents of repealing the law to put forth the argument that Uruguay could face similar cases brought against it by the more than 175 Uruguayans (and 100 foreigners) murdered or disappeared during the 12 year military dictatorship.
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