Argentina’s last military dictator, Reynaldo Bignone, is one of four defendants who will face trial today in a federal court for crimes of unlawful detainment and torture. The accusations stem from his alleged involvement in the operations of a clandestine detention center in a Posadas hospital during the 1976-1983 military regime.

Bignone, who is 83 years old, has been convicted twice already for related crimes, including stealing babies from political prisoners. He is currently under house arrest and serving two life sentences.

The trial will reveal the circumstances surrounding the detention centre known as “El chalet” which operated in the public hospital in Marón. Fifty-six witnesses are expected to testify.

The former dictator, who served from 1982-83, negotiated Argentina’s transition to democracy at the end of his rule. Before stepping down, however, he signed an amnesty law, which was later annulled by Congress, declaring that all members of the Armed Forces were not responsible for crimes committed during the military regime.