Italy's Justice Minister Blocks Extradition of Priest Accused of Murder and Torture in Argentina

Despite Approval from Italy's Top Criminal Court, Minister Cites Priest's Age and Health as Reasons for Blocking Extradition

Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio has blocked the extradition of Franco Reverberi, a priest accused of murder and torture during Argentina's military dictatorship.
Reverberi, 86, served as a military chaplain during the 1976-1983 dictatorship and is accused of being part of a group that kidnapped and tortured political opponents.
The priest fled Argentina in 2012 after he was charged and has been living in Italy since then.
Despite Italy's top criminal court approving the extradition in October, Nordio cited Reverberi's advanced age and poor health as reasons for blocking the extradition.
Human rights advocates have criticized the decision, with some calling for Reverberi to be prosecuted in Italy if he cannot be extradited.