Paraguay's disappeared: A dictator's shadow is a roadblock for justice, but a few keep up the fight Despite being ousted in 1989 after a 35-year reign of terror, during which 20,000 people were tortured, executed or disappeared, some Paraguayans feel as if Gen. Alfredo Stroessner never truly left.
“This is probably the only country in which the political party that supported a dictator, once he is gone, remains in power,” said Alfredo Boccia, a researcher of Paraguay’s history.
Stroessner was not overthrown by enemies, but by his in-law, and the military members involved were affiliated with his party, which has ruled practically uninterrupted since.
He served as Paraguay’s president, leader of his conservative Colorado Party, commander of the armed forces and chief of police.
While Stroessner has been long gone, his legacy remains a roadblock to their searching.
