Remarks by Marcel Feraud at the presentation of the documentary "The Ardiles Case. Human Rights Abuse in Santiago del Estero, Argentina."

By: Marcel Feraud - 02/05/2025

Thank you very much for joining us on this important evening as we screened the documentary: "The Ardiles Case. Human Rights Abuse in Santiago del Estero, Argentina."

It's important to show you this documentary because when a human rights violation occurs, no matter where or against whom, it should sound an alarm in the justice system, but especially in society. This last not only because any of us could be the next victim, but because if society lacks a sense of solidarity, it is doomed to failure.

And in the Ardiles case, this dilemma is even more serious, since the abuse occurs under a cover of legality, when Federico López Alzogaray, the province's highest magistrate, sues Manuel Ascencio Ardiles, a local farmer with limited assets and education, successfully dispossessing him of his property. This is an aggravated crime, given López Alzogaray's position as the highest judicial authority in the province of Santiago del Estero.

The infamous rapist lacks standing to bring the action. It is a lawsuit completely unfounded in law.

Ardiles, on the other hand, has full rights. His father had acquired the land over 100 years ago through acquisitive prescription, known as usucapion in Roman law, one of the oldest legal institutions in civil law. Additionally, Ardiles had been born on the property and had lived his entire life, more than 60 years on it, as lord and owner.

We know that there are provinces in Argentina with feudal systems. Santiago del Estero is one of those provinces, where power, crime, and extreme citizen control are part of everyday life.

We also know that the Ardiles case is not an isolated incident. On the contrary, it is a modus operandi of land grabbing and, consequently, illicit enrichment, in collusion with the justice system and the provincial government.

The Interamerican Institute for Democracy has decided to pursue the case to the fullest extent possible, whether under Argentine domestic law or internationally, until the Ardiles family finds justice.

IN DORAL, FLORIDA.

APRIL 30, 2025

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