Italy's justice minister nixes extradition of priest sought by Argentina in murder-torture cases

Italy's justice minister has rejected Argentina's bid to extradite an Italian priest sought on charges of murder, kidnapping and torture during the South American country's last military dictatorship

ROME -- Italy's justice minister has ruled against the extradition of a former chaplain sought in Argentina on charges of murder and torture during the South American country's last military dictatorship, human rights advocates said Friday.

In October, Italy’s top criminal court had approved extradition of the Rev. Franco Reverberi, an 86-year-old Italian priest who had served as military chaplain during Argentina’s 1976-1983 military dictatorship.

But Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, in ruling against extradition, cited the priest's advanced age and poor health. A copy of the ruling was made available by rights advocates who have followed the case.

Under Italy's justice system, the justice minister either abides by or rejects court decisions on extradition.

It would now be up to Argentina's new government to decide if it wants to challenge the minister's decision by going to an Italian administrative cour, said Jorge Ithurburu, who represents the March 24 human rights advocacy group which has followed Argentina's investigation of Reverberi.