Spain urged to confront Franco-era abuses

UN issues appeal for investigation into disappearance or deaths of 100,000 opponents of dictator whose died in 1975.

More than 38 years after the death of Spain’s General Franco and the end of his fascist rule, the UN is urging Spain to face up to the human-rights abuses that took place under his rule.

General Francisco Franco’s reign lasted 36 years, from 1939 to 1975, and more than 100,000 of his opponents are estimated to have disappeared, or been killed during that time.

Previous attempts at investigations have been ruled illegal under a 1977 law giving amnesty to Franco’s crimes.

Al Jazeera’s Sonia Gallego reports from Madrid.

Source: Al Jazeera