Music promoter gets 20 years in deadly Argentine fire
AFP
BUENOS AIRES - A music promoter was sentenced to 20 years in prison Wednesday after being found responsible for a 2004 fire that swept through his crowded discotheque, killing 194 people.
Omar Chaban, 57, received the heaviest sentence for arson, but lesser prison terms were handed out to four other people implicated in the fire, which broke out when spectators ignited fireworks during a packed concert.
Some 3,000 fans -- far beyond the club's authorized capacity -- had squeezed into the venue for a performance of the rock group Callejeros, but many were trapped inside because the the main exit doors had been locked.
The sole open emergency exit was insufficient to clear the club quickly after the fire broke out.
Some 1,400 people were injured in the blaze. Most of those killed died by inhaling smoke laced with toxins from the burning ceiling soundproof panels.
The court also sentenced the band's former manager to 18 years prison for his role as an accomplice to the arson; a former government official for failing to ensure security in the nightclub; and two regional government officials.
The musicians, however, were absolved, even though prosecutors had sought 15 years prison for them.
Hundreds of friends and relatives of the victims joined Callejeros fans for a vigil outside the courthouse that began on Tuesday. The group largely agreed on blaming Chaban, but were split on the guilt of the musicians.
When the sentence was announced the music fans celebrated, while some of the relatives, angry that the rockers were let off, clashed with police as they tried to crash into the courthouse.
Some 300 riot police carrying shields and protected by water cannon trucks were deployed along with outside the courthouse.
"Justice was not fulfilled," said Jose Iglesias, a plaintiff and the father of one of the victims. "This is a black day. I feel frustrated."
"The acquittal of Callejeros is a provocation," another father said, noting that the musicians continued performing even during the trial.
Chaban is an eccentric music promoter who helped popularize several Argentine rock groups, especially in the 1980s.
The former Buenos Aires head of government, Anibal Ibarra, lost his job in 2006 in the fallout over the fire.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------