Relatives claim for justice 7 years after Cromañon tragedy

Seven years after the fire in República Cromañon night club, in the City neighbourhood of Balvanera killed 194 people, family members of the victims keep up with their claim for justice and demand tougher sentences on those involved in the 2004 tragedy

A mass was at the metropolitan Cathedral and then relatives and friends of the deceased marched fro Plaza de Mayoto Plaza Miserere, metres away from the venue.

A flare thrown during a concert of Callejeros rock band in Cromañon, along Bartolomé Mitre 3200 street caused a fire which killed 194 people on December 30th 2004. The average age of the victims was 22.

The former manager of the nightclub, Omar Chabán, was sentenced to eight years in prison, his assistant, Raúl Villareal, was sentenced to six years imprisonment. Former police inspector Carlos Rubén Díaz was handed the same sentence.

Meanwhile Callejeros’ manager Diego Argarañaz received a 5 year prison sentence, while the band’s frontman, Patricio Fontanet was handed the same sentence.

The rest of the band members were handed prison sentences ranging from two to four year, while former City government officials Ana María Fiszbin, Gustavo Torres and Ana María Fernández also received four year prison sentences.

All of those who were sentenced still remain free waiting for the court to confirm the ruling.

Cristina Bernasconi, mother of 22 year old Nicolás Landoni, who died in the fire, said that “every December 30th, we unfortunately recall all the images we went through that night as we visited hospitals searching for our children. Every 30th the pain becomes very acute, but I try to channel it in measures that keep the memories of our children alive and also with prevention. Youngsters need to learn about safety measures in nightclubs,” she said.

“Justice is still delayed, the case is under review by a court and the sentences aren’t what we parents expected,” Bernasconi concluded.