Argentina dictator Reynaldo Bignone jailed for torture

Argentina's last dictator has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for kidnappings and torture during the 1976-1983 military regime.

Reynaldo Bignone, 82, was convicted of torture and illegal detentions at the Campo de Mayo army base, used as a torture centre. Thousands of dissidents were taken there but only 50 came out alive.

Judge Marta Milloc read the verdict in an indoor stadium where many of those in attendance were family members of victims, who held up photos of their loved ones and applauded the ruling.

"Today is a good day for Argentines," said Estela de Carlotto, president of the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo human rights group. "We are in agreement with the ruling, but a lot remains to be done. There are hundreds more accused."

Five other retired officers received sentences ranging from 17 to 25 years, while a former police official was absolved.

Bignone led Argentina from 1982 to 1983, but he committed the crimes between 1976 and 1978, when he was a commander at the base. He granted amnesty to human rights violators and ordered the destruction of documents related to torture and disappearances of political opponents before agreeing to transfer power to the democratically elected Raul Alfonsin.

A total of 1,464 people have been formally accused of committing crimes against humanity during the dictatorship, and 74 have been convicted.