The Simon Wiesenthal Center condemned the appointment of Jorge Palacios as the Chief of the new Buenos Aires Metropolitan Police.

In a letter to Minister of Justice and Security of Buenos Aires Town Hall, Guillermo Montenegro, the Center’s Director for Latin America, Sergio Widder, reminded that “Chief Palacios was involved in the less transparent period of the investigation of the AMIA bombing, and accusations of covering up are pending against him.”

“To appoint someone like Palacios as the first Chief of the new Metropolitan Police shows not only a lack of respect to the memory of the victims of the AMIA bombing, but also sends a message of impunity for the members of the force. They are basically being told that going against the rule of law and proper procedures can be a passport to leadership in the force,” said the Center’s official.

“Only a few weeks after the Argentine Supreme Court’s indictment, which confirmed the irregularities under the period when Palacios was part of the Amia investigation team and emphasized the need of serving justice in this case, the Buenos Aires Town Hall makes a mockery of those sentiments and all efforts to obtain justice for Amia' victims,” he added.

“We urge that Palacios’ appointing as Chief of the Metropolitan Police be reconsidered. His confirmation would mean disrespect to the victims of the AMIA bombing and their families and the basis for further impunity,” Widder concluded.

For further information contact Sergio Widder at +54911 4425-1306.

Source:Simon Wiesenthal Center