Suspended Spanish judge says he will help Argentina develop programs to protect human rights

Spanish judge to help Argentina on human rights

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Spanish Judge Baltazar Garzon says he will work with Argentina’s government to develop programs for protecting human rights.

He says he received the proposal from Argentine Foreign Minister Hector Timerman during a luncheon Monday. Neither Garzon nor Timerman provided any details of the plan.

Garzon gained fame around the world by pursuing cross-border cases charging foreigners with rights abuse crimes. But has been suspended from office in Spain for starting an investigation into killings committed during the Spanish Civil War and the early years of the Franco dictatorship.

The judge is visiting Buenos Aires to participate in activities related to the defense of human rights.