Martínez de Hoz dies at 87

José Alfredo Martínez de Hoz died today at 87. Ex Economy minister during Argentina’s last military dictatorship, was serving house arrest following his indictment over the kidnapp of textile businessman Federico Gutheim and his son Miguel in 1976.

Martínez de Hoz was not transferred to a state prison due to health’s problems, following a December 2010 decision by a Federal Court.

The ex official and former de-facto government Jorge Rafael Videla have been accused of pressuring Federico Gutheim in order to gain a contract Gutheim’s Sadeco company had won on bid for a u$s 12 million dollar export of cotton fiber to Hong Kong.

The businessman was detained together with his son and taken under police guard to negotiate the move, hold trade meetings and sign documents. Once the illegal deal was closed, Gutheim was freed by the ruling Junta.

Martínez de How died, however, without a final judgment on his responsibility and involvement as the case was never closed.