Azucena Berruti

Overview

Azucena Berruti born Tres Cruces, Uruguay January 7, 1929. Famed human rights lawyer. Defended political prisoners for nonviolent Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) affiliate SERPAJ Servicio de Paz y Justicia. As first woman Minister of Defense, refused participation in US School of Americas, 2005-08. Fired Lt. General Diaz for insubordination, 2006.

Quotations

On how the military took her command: “Ah, in my favor. A woman with remote control and also higher in rank. They are well educated.” (Gerardo Tagliaferro interview, May 21, 2012; photo elpoverin.over.blog)