Italy requests extradition of former leaders

Italy is requesting the extradition of more than 100 former South American leaders and officials over the disappearance, torture and death of Italians who were caught up in a crackdown on dissent in the 1970s and 80s, a prosecutor said tonight.

Authorities have made the requests for 139 people involved in the military dictatorships of Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay and accused in the kidnapping and murder of 25 Italian dissidents, said Giancarlo Capaldo, the lead prosecutor in the case.

The suspects include Argentina’s former junta leader Jorge Videla and Uruguay’s former dictator Juan Bordaberry.

Mr Capaldo said court proceedings could go ahead even if the officials are not extradited, as Italian law allows suspects to be tried in absentia.