'Dirty War' Priest Sentenced to Life for Murder, Kidnapping and Torture

A former Roman Catholic police chaplain was sentenced to life imprisonment yesterday for collaborating in torture, kidnapping and murder during Argentina's military rule.

Christian von Wernich, 69, was convicted of involvement in seven murders, 42 abductions and 31 cases of torture.

One of the judges described his offenses during the country's 1976-1983 dictatorship as crimes against humanity.

During the trial, former prisoners said Von Wernich had pressured torture victims into providing information during his visits to secret detention centers.

Although Von Wernich did not testify during the three-month trial, he previously told court officials he was unaware that detainees were being tortured or held illegally.

The mothers of murdered political activists have led the push to bring to justice those involved in human rights abuses during the "dirty war". Between 11,000 and 30,000 people died and disappeared in purges organized by the country's military rulers during this period.

"It's a historic day, a wonderful day ... it's something we mothers didn't think we'd live to see," said Tati Almeyda, of the Founding Line of the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo.

"Justice has been done. The Catholic church was an accomplice," she added.

Following the verdict, Argentina's Catholic leaders issued a statement saying the church was saddened "by the pain of a priest's participation in these very grave crimes".

Many human rights activists accuse the Church hierarchy of supporting the military dictatorship and opting to keep silent about its brutality.