Argentina, 1985 2022

In 1985, Argentina found itself newly democratic, having just escaped the clutches of a military dictatorship that lasted seven years. Under the leadership of President Raúl Alfonsín, a historic trial was initiated against former military commanders for their crimes against humanity.

Public prosecutor Julio César Strassera, portrayed by Ricardo Darín, was chosen to present the government’s case as the military courts had refused to act. Julio lived a challenging life, sharing his home with his devoted wife Silvia, and their children, daughter Veronica and son Javier. His dedicated secretary, Susana, played by Paula Ransenberg, stood by him through turbulent times. Strassera felt the weight of the task ahead; he understood the risks posed to him and his family by taking on such a volatile case against powerful figures.

Mentored by Ruso, portrayed by Norman Briski, Julio realized the immense significance of the trial but was still apprehensive. He felt the noose tighten as he wrestled with the idea that this could be a dangerous trap, one that could endanger their lives. With experienced lawyers aligned against him, forming a formidable defense team for the junta, Strassera found himself in a dire situation when it came to building his prosecution team.

Initially skeptical, he eventually accepted the help of Luis Moreno Ocampo, played by Peter Lanzani, after rejecting him due to his military family background. Ocampo’s fresh perspective suggested that they recruit young and less experienced lawyers, as those with established reputations were too frightened to get embroiled in such a contentious case.

Among the defense attorneys was Basile, played by Héctor Díaz, and as the trial approached, Strassera and Ocampo interviewed potential team members. They assembled a group of those working in government offices who could provide essential access to information.

On February 15, 1985, they submitted a staggering 16 volumes filled with 4,000 pages of evidence relating to 709 cases and over 800 witnesses—all this culminating in a trial that began just a couple of months later, on April 22, 1985. On its opening day, the courtroom buzzed with tension as the defense faced bomb threats while Strassera insisted that the proceedings must continue.

The trial’s televised sessions delivered harrowing testimonies from victims of the junta. The stories were gut-wrenching, with Adriana Calvo (played by Laura Paredes) recounting her experience of giving birth while in captivity. This poignant testimony made a considerable impact, even changing the perspective of Ocampo’s family regarding their military ties.

In a pivotal moment, President Raúl Alfonsín met with Strassera, commending him on the violation of principles by the junta. However, pressures mounted as the Attorney General suggested that Strassera should seek leniency, fearing a possible military coup.

The climax of the trial arrived on September 18, 1985. Strassera, inspired by the courage of his family and those who had testified, delivered a powerful closing statement that resonated beyond the courtroom, concluding emphatically with: > “Your Honors: never again!” All eyes were on the judges as they began deliberating.

In the end, Strassera faced mixed outcomes—while some leaders received life sentences, others received lighter penalties. Despite this, it was a watershed moment as it marked the first time any military dictatorship stood trial in a civilian court. As Strassera began preparing an appeal, he faced the reality that history had indeed been made, but justice remained incomplete.