Civil trials introduced for military personnel in Argentina

Members of Argentina’s armed forces will be tried by civil courts rather than military tribunals under a new rule that took effect, part of a government effort to increase control over the forces.

Strengthening civilian control over the military has been a priority for President Cristina Fernandez and her husband and predecessor, Nestor Kirchner, as Argentina struggles to heal old wounds from the 1976-83 dictatorship in which thousands were tortured and killed.