14 through physical and emotional aftereffects that prevent them from continuing their ordinary lifestyle. The entire family endured pain, weeping, anguish, helplessness feelings and suffering for having been unable to avoid the alleged torture suffered by Gerardo and for their doubts and uncertainty as to what really happened. Gerardo’s mother, Mrs. De Belén Areco, is the member of the family who suffered the greatest psychological disorder. She spends most of the time in seclusion and self-isolation, expressing sadness and having difficulties to sleep; she cries frequently and easily, and has hopelessness feelings. Moreover, she suffered from heart disorders. The family’s suffering deepened due to the lack of an appropriate response by the State. The family believes that the 1-year imprisonment imposed upon corporal 2nd class López-Insfrán was “a sham” and that said punishment does not effectively satisfy their need for truth and justice. They believe that domestic proceedings will be futile. B) Statements rendered before a notary public WITNESS TESTIMONY 1) Relatives of Gerardo Vargas-Areco11 The family of Gerardo Vargas-Areco is composed of his siblings Juan, María Elisa, Patricio, Doralicia, Mario, María Magdalena, Daniel, Sebastián and Jorge Ramón Vargas-Areco, his father Pedro Vargas and his mother De Belén Areco. Before joining the armed forces of Paraguay, Gerardo lived with his parents. He was an affectionate, educated and easygoing child. His parents and siblings felt proud when Gerardo voluntarily decided to enlist in military service. The family believed that voluntary enlisting was the best choice to avoid the risk of having Gerardo recruited in the street, as it was a common practice in Paraguay with many other 15year old children. However, Gerardo’s mother regretted seeing her child leave home at such a young age. Gerardo planned to return home after military service to care for and support his parents. After being recruited, Gerardo visited his family twice. His second visit was during a 5-day leave granted to spend Christmas with his family. His mother was ill at that time so Gerardo notified the military unit that he should stay at home to care for his mother and he was given permission to stay with his family until December 26, 1989. Non-commissioned officer Ramón Espinola arrived on that date to pick him up and they left for Villarrica at 8.45 that night. On December 31, 1989, Gerardo’s father received a phone call from the police headquarters and was informed that his son had been shot to death. The family reached the airport, where they received the mortal remains in a sealed coffin. The military officers who delivered the body gave them instructions not to open the coffin and to bury Gerardo that same day. The family took the coffin home. Given the fact that the testimonies of the parents and siblings of the minor Vargas-Areco refer to the same matter, the Court will summarize their joint discussion. 11