The wounds inflicted by the military junta in Argentina during the 1970s are far from healed, as survivors of crimes committed during that time continue to fight for justice. One particular case revolves around a priest named Franco Reverberi, who is alleged to have played a role in kidnappings and torture against opponents of the regime. This article delves into the harrowing experiences of survivors like Mario Bracamonte and the efforts being made to bring Reverberi to trial.
The military coup in Argentina on March 24, 1976, led by Jorge Videla, resulted in the targeting of individuals who opposed the dictatorship. Approximately 30,000 people were killed before the country transitioned to democracy in 1983. Mario Bracamonte, a left-wing activist at the time, was among the thousands of Argentines who were kidnapped by soldiers. Mario vividly remembers the moment when a priest from his village, Franco Reverberi, entered his prison cell. However, Reverberi’s presence provided no comfort to Mario, as he witnessed the priest’s indifference while he lay on the floor, bloodied and tortured.
The testimonies of four former detainees shed light on Reverberi’s alleged participation in the torture at the clandestine detention center. They claimed that Reverberi would watch the prisoners being tortured and, at times, hold a Bible while conveying to them that it was God’s will to provide their torturers with information. As a result, Reverberi was charged in October 2010, becoming one of several members of the Catholic clergy accused of collaborating with Argentina’s military junta.
However, Reverberi managed to evade appearing in court by fleeing to his home country of Italy in May 2011. He settled in Sorbolo, a small town where his family had emigrated from when he was a child. Despite the accusations against him, he continues to celebrate mass in Sorbolo, eliciting mixed reactions from the local community. Some defend Reverberi’s innocence, while others question how he can continue as a priest if guilty of such heinous crimes.
Efforts to extradite Reverberi back to Argentina have been ongoing. The first attempt failed, with Reverberi claiming he visited Italy for health reasons and has been unable to return due to poor health. In 2021, a second extradition request was lodged, citing new evidence and including an accusation of Reverberi’s involvement in the murder of an Argentine citizen. Although the Italian justice minister approved the second request, an appeal lodged by Reverberi’s lawyer has temporarily halted the process.
Survivors like Mario Bracamonte eagerly await the day when Reverberi will face trial and be held accountable for his alleged crimes. They seek answers and justice for the disappeared activists, hoping to bring closure to the painful chapters of Argentina’s history. As the legal battle continues, the struggle for justice serves as a reminder that the wounds inflicted by the military junta are still raw and require healing
