Argentina, 1985

In 1985, Argentina emerged from a long period of military dictatorship that had lasted for seven years. This transition marked a new democratic chapter in the nation's history, setting the stage for accountability and justice for past atrocities.

Under the leadership of President Raúl Alfonsín, a significant trial was initiated against former military commanders for their crimes against humanity. This move was groundbreaking as it aimed to hold accountable those who had previously escaped justice.

Public prosecutor Julio César Strassera was selected to present the government's case after military courts refused to act. His appointment marked the beginning of a tumultuous journey to pursue justice against powerful military figures.

As Strassera took on this monumental task, he balanced his professional responsibilities with family life. He shared his home with his wife Silvia and their two children, daughter Veronica and son Javier, adding emotional stakes to an already dangerous situation.

Strassera sought guidance from mentor Ruso, who helped him recognize the importance of the trial. With growing pressure and risks apparent, Strassera remained torn about the dangers involved in prosecuting powerful former military leaders.

The road to forming a prosecution team was fraught with challenges. Strassera faced skepticism but later accepted help from Luis Moreno Ocampo, leading to the recruitment of less experienced lawyers to combat the formidable defense team.

On February 15, 1985, Strassera and his team submitted an overwhelming volume of evidence, totaling 16 volumes and 4,000 pages. This documentation detailed 709 cases and cited over 800 witnesses, reinforcing their relentless pursuit of justice.

The trial commenced on April 22, 1985, creating a charged atmosphere where the pursuit of justice met public interest. On the opening day, tensions escalated as bomb threats were reported against the courtroom, yet Strassera insisted the proceedings go on.

Throughout the trial, poignant testimonies from victims of the junta were aired on television, such as that of Adriana Calvo. Her heart-wrenching account of giving birth while in captivity deeply affected viewers, even altering perceptions within Ocampo's family.

In a significant moment during the trial, President Raúl Alfonsín praised Strassera for his efforts against the junta’s violations. However, the political climate was tumultuous, and there were growing concerns about potential military backlash.

On September 18, 1985, Strassera delivered an impassioned closing statement that encapsulated the trial's essence. His poignant plea for justice and the powerful declaration 'never again' resonated deeply, captivating all those present in the courtroom.

After Strassera's stirring closing arguments, the judges deliberated on the case that had captivated the nation. The final verdict saw a mix of life sentences for some leaders while others received lighter penalties, reflecting a nuanced view of justice.

In the aftermath of the trial, Strassera began preparing to appeal the controversial decisions rendered by the court. Although the trial was historic, revealing the capabilities of a civilian court to judge military dictators, he knew that true justice remained elusive.