Juan Carlos Rolón was an intelligence officer who formed part of the "task forces" (groups that would kidnap
and torture people) of the Navy's Mechanics School (ESMA), the largest torture camp in Argentina. As a member of that
group he
participated in kidnappings, and he habitually tortured prisoners. He was also in charge of a project within the
ESMA to brainwash prisoners who would then, under the threat of death, carry out intellectual work to help out the
political career of Navy Chief Emilio Massera.
In early 1997 he formed part of a special commando which under the leadership of Pernía travelled to
Venezuela
with the purpose of kidnapping and bringing back to Argentina some famous exilees, among them an ex-leader of the
General Economic Confederation, Julio Broner. Their plan was to shoot drugged darts to the victims and thus paralize
them.
It seems that they were unable to fulfill their mission.
He was also an instructor of a class on antisubversive fighting which was directed to torturers in Uruguay,
Paraguay,
Bolivia, Nicaragua, Brazil and Guatemala.
He married the niece of the then Economic Minister, and founded a real state company to dispose of the properties
stolen
from the people he was kidnapping. Later he became a member of the foreign office.
He was investigated for the disappearance and death of Mónica Jauregui, but escaped justice when the Punto
Final law was passed. Currently he is being investigated by Spanish courts on charges of genocide, terrorism and
torture.
Rolón became notorious in 1994 when his promotion came to be ratified by the Argentine Senate. Though Menem
had promised that he would not promote any torturer, Menem fought hard to have Rolon promoted. During the Senate
hearings, Rolón stated that he would never issued orders like those he obeyed because they were wrong. He also
testified that all Navy officers were responsible for human rights violations, as they were all required to take turns
working on the task forces.
According to one detainee, Rolón did not like to torture people, but he thought it was a necessary step
in the road to admiralship.
Rolon lives at Capdevilla 2852 8º "B", Buenos Aires, Argentina - Tel: 4523-6546