On
Thursday, Efrain Rios Montt appeared in a Guatemalan court on genocide charges.
During the hearing, the government presented evidence of over 100 incidents
involving at least 1,771 deaths, 1,445 rapes, and the displacement of nearly
30,000 Guatemalans during his 17-month rule from 1982-1983 (Washington
Post, BBC, Siglo
XXI, LA Times)
Rios Montt did not speak during
today's hearings, but it looks like he will be able to test his "I was
never on the battlefield" defense. Tonight, judge Carol
Patricia Flores determined that there is enough evidence to try Rios
Montt on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity. The prosecution
wanted him incarcerated because of his potential for flight but the judge ruled
that he can remain out on bail. He has now been placed under house arrest and
will be watched by the PNC.
A tremendous victory for the people
of Guatemala and a continuation of what I believe has been a pretty remarkable year-plus of human rights advancement in the
region.
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