Survivors brought to light torture, humiliating living conditions, and sexual violence in the clandestine detention centers, as well as the death flights in their testimony. The newly created human rights organizations collected hundreds of statements from those who had been kidnapped, and from relatives of those who had disappeared or been murdered. CONADEP did the same.

testimonies in trials

In the trial of the Juntas, the victims' testimonies were one of the pillars of the formal indictment devised by the prosecution. Both inside and outside the criminal proceedings, their accounts were pivotal to reconstructing, at least partially, the fate of everyone who had been kidnapped: who they were, when they were captured, where they were seen. Sensory memories reconstructed the detention spaces and provided information about their operations: names, aliases, and locations. The testimonies of those who shared captivity with the women who gave birth while abducted were crucial for prosecution and for finding their families.

testimonies in trials

The trials also counted on the testimony of people who were not victims of repression but witnesses to the events, such as residents of the clandestine centers or conscript soldiers. Expert witnesses analyzed scientific evidence. In addition, witnesses provided background information relevant to the cases.

testimonies in trials

Some members of the repressive apparatus —such as former police officers, former intelligence service agents, or former military personnel— testified on various occasions. Some of them testified as witnesses. However, others accused in several cases chose to exercise their right to defense. Accordingly, they availed themselves of the opportunity to take the floor throughout the trial process and give their version of the events.

testimonies in trials