by Michael Hone
Accused of Killing Political Prisoners During Dirty War
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – Thirty-five years after allegedly participating in the massacre of 22 political prisoners – shot on December 13, 1976, during Argentina's military dictatorship – former Major Norberto Raul Tozzo, 66, will be extradited to Argentina on Monday.
Under intense security, Tozzo will be taken to the Tom Jobim International Airport and delivered to the custody of Argentine federal police who arrived in Rio this week. The time of the prisoner's transfer is being kept secret.
The former military man was arrested by chance in 2008. He was staying at the Orla Hotel in Ipanema under a false name when he became involved in a dispute in the hotel restaurant. Military Police (PM) responded to a call from the hotel and when they confronted Tozzo, he couldn't produce identification, so they detained him. Police discovered his identity and an outstanding Argentine arrest warrant at the station.
Tozzo was arrested but he challenged his continued detention and extradition through habeas corpus and the courts ordered him released from custody. He was immediately re-arrested by Federal Police and has been in custody since. Having exhausted his appeals, the courts set his extradition date.
The shooting of 22 prisoners in which the former Major Tozzo allegedly took part is known as the Massacre of Margarita Belen.
Read also: More Articles from Brazil Dispatch
Brazilian online news source for this article: O Globo
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