Summary: We finally find more news reports about the situation in Argentina, where Microsoft is accused of (and sued for) removing GNU/Linux from the market

THE stories of Microsoft in Argentina are rather distasteful and the latest one is relatively moderate in terms of its magnitude. eWEEK Europe may label this "Exclusive" to hype it up, but it's not really breaking the new story from Argentina. Boycott Novell, for example, wrote about it some days ago. "Microsoft Facing €£25m Argentinian Linux Lawsuit," says the headline of an article which quotes individuals who are familiar with the matter at hand.

“About five years ago, I wrote a detailed report on how one could have the choice between GNU/Linux and other operating systems in Argentina that was most surprising for French people, that have always had the greatest difficulties in getting such a choice,” Di Cosmo wrote. “But starting from 2 years ago, I have seen that it has become impossible to find any longer a single machine with GNU / Linux in retail: worse, we saw some very dubious agreements negotiated under the high patronage of the founder of the multinational software company that monopolises the operating systems market.”

Di Cosmo’s blog contains a link to the Pixart court filing and alleges that the allegations against Microsoft made by Pixart may have been repeated in other countries. “Well, I happen to have in my hands right now a copy of the appeal filed against Microsoft by the little Argentine SMEs Pixart, and it is very helpful in understanding what really happened there … and very likely what is happening here [In France] too,” he says.

If the Argentinian Commission decides to hear the case, and finds against Microsoft, the software giant has the right to one appeal according to Blustein. “Microsoft can appeal the decision one level further, in case they are unhappy with the first judgement.”

As we pointed out the other day, Microsoft breaks the law even when it comes to legal procedures. Can Argentina tame the beast? ⬆