Bishop says Church did, in fact, denounce human rights violations during Argentinean dictatorship

Buenos Aires, Argentina, Aug 6, 2006 / 22:00 pm

Bishop Roberto Rodriguez of La Rioja has rejected criticism that the Church did not denounce human rights violations during Argentina’s military dictatorship, and he said that continued speculation that the car accident, which took the life of his predecessor in the Diocese of La Rioja, was actually a case of homicide is “rash.”

Speaking to Radio Independiente, Bishop Rodriguez said, “The Church always voiced her rejection of the cases of the disappeared and of the detentions carried out by unknown forces.”  “I have the proof of what the newspapers of the day said.  The Church spoke, and there were persecutions which she suffered,” he maintained.

Asked about the death of his predecessor, Bishop Enrique Angelelli, Bishop Rodriguez said, “Justice must take its course,” because “it would be rash to make a personal judgment.”  Upon the 30th anniversary of the late bishop’s death, last week, Argentinean President Nestor Kirchner publicly stated that the prelate had been murdered and called for justice in the case.