(AP) -- A Brazilian newspaper is reporting that federal prosecutors are investigating cases of forced disappearances during the country's 20-year military dictatorship.
In a report Sunday, prosecutors told the Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper that cases involving kidnappings and hiding of bodies may fall outside the amnesty law that released civilians and military from liability for political crimes.
They argue cases where the missing person is never found are "permanent crimes" falling outside the 1961-1979 period covered by the law.
On Friday, prosecutors heard witnesses about the disappearance of Edgard Duarte, seen for the last time in a police cell in 1973. He is one of 156 disappeared.
In Brazil, prosecutors investigate a case before filing a charge.
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