Obituary – Death – Cause of death News :

Former Infantry Intelligence Chief Ernesto Villarruel Passes Away at 80

Former Infantry Intelligence chief Ernesto Villarruel, uncle of Vice President Victoria Villarruel, passed away at the age of 80. Villarruel had a controversial past, having been arrested and prosecuted in 2015 for his involvement in the kidnapping and disappearance of a woman in 1977. Despite facing charges, he was later declared unfit to stand trial due to health reasons.

Villarruel served as a captain and head of intelligence for the Third Infantry Regiment of La Tablada, Buenos Aires Province. The regiment operated the clandestine detention center known as El Vesubio, which was notorious for its brutality during the dictatorship era.

In 2015, Villarruel was arrested during the elections while attempting to vote and was subsequently prosecuted by Federal Judge Daniel Rafecas. He was 71 years old at the time of his arrest.

One of the most significant incidents tied to Villarruel’s past was the raid on the home of Mario Rubén Arrosagaray and Guillermina Silvia Vázquez in 1977. Vázquez, a member of the militant organization Montoneros, was captured during the operation and was last seen at El Vesubio.

Despite being prosecuted for his involvement in Vázquez’s disappearance, Villarruel was deemed unfit to stand trial in December 2016 due to health reasons, specifically Alzheimer’s disease. Witnesses have also implicated him in the Monte Grande massacre, where 16 El Vesubio detainees were allegedly executed.

Villarruel’s niece, Vice President Victoria Villarruel, has a military background and has been vocal in defending military actions during the dictatorship era. She has founded an organization seeking reparations for victims of guerrilla activities.

While Victoria Villarruel has openly discussed her military family members, she has remained silent about her uncle’s controversial past. Currently on an official visit to Spain, she continues to uphold her family’s military legacy.

Who was Ernesto Villarruel and what was his role in the military?

Ernesto Villarruel, the former Infantry Intelligence chief, passed away at the age of 80. He was the uncle of Vice President Victoria Villarruel and was involved in the kidnapping and disappearance of a woman in 1977. Villarruel was a captain and head of intelligence for the Third Infantry Regiment of La Tablada, Buenos Aires Province. This regiment was responsible for managing the clandestine detention center El Vesubio, known as one of the deadliest during the dictatorship era.

What led to Villarruel’s arrest and prosecution?

Villarruel was arrested during the 2015 elections when he went to vote and was prosecuted shortly after by Federal Judge Daniel Rafecas. He was accused of ordering an operation that resulted in the illegal detention and disappearance of Guillermina Silvia Vázquez, a member of the militant organization Montoneros. Despite being prosecuted, Villarruel was later declared unfit to stand trial due to health reasons, particularly Alzheimer’s disease.

What other accusations were made against Villarruel?

In addition to the case involving Vázquez, witnesses also accused Villarruel of being involved in the “Monte Grande massacre.” This event involved the transfer of 16 El Vesubio detainees to a house where they were shot dead. The military staged the scene to make it appear as though they had overpowered a “subversive” group.

What is Victoria Villarruel’s relationship with her military family?

Victoria Villarruel, the Vice President and niece of Ernesto Villarruel, has always been proud of her military background. She founded the Center for Legal Studies on Terrorism and their Victims in 2006 to seek reparations for those who died in actions carried out by guerrillas before and during the dictatorship. Despite her family’s military history, she never mentions her uncle in public discussions.

What is Victoria Villarruel’s current agenda?

Victoria Villarruel is currently on an official visit to Spain and will continue with her scheduled activities. She has been a vocal advocate for the military and has conducted interviews with military officers for her book about guerrilla fighters in the 1970s. Despite her family’s military background, she remains focused on her work and advocacy efforts.

Sources: Herald