by JO-MARIE BURT AND PAULO ESTRADA The COVID-19 pandemic has upended all facets of life across the globe. In Guatemala, as in many parts of the world, the threat of COVID-19 has paralyzed judicial activity. As a result, several ongoing judicial proceedings involving conflict-era war crimes have been temporarily suspended. At the same time, convicted war … Sigue leyendo In Guatemala, COVID-19 Puts Justice on Hold, Emboldening Convicted War Criminals to Seek Their Freedom
“No One Told This to Me. I Saw It with My Own Eyes.” Survivor Addresses Court As Evidentiary Phase of Maya Ixil Genocide Case Nears Conclusion
by JO-MARIE BURT AND PAULO ESTRADA During the final two hearings of the evidentiary phase hearings, defense lawyers for three senior military officials accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, and forced disappearance against Guatemala’s Maya Ixil population rejected the charges against their clients. Last week, the Attorney General’s Office and the civil parties presented the charges against the three retired … Sigue leyendo “No One Told This to Me. I Saw It with My Own Eyes.” Survivor Addresses Court As Evidentiary Phase of Maya Ixil Genocide Case Nears Conclusion
“Even in Wartime There are Moral Limits:” Plaintiffs Finalize Presentation of Genocide Charges against Senior Military Officials
by JO-MARIE BURT AND PAULO ESTRADA During the evidentiary phase hearing held on Wednesday, March 11, in the Maya Ixil genocide trial, the Attorney General’s Office finalized its presentation of the charges against former Chief of Military Operations, Colonel César Noguera Argueta, for the crimes of genocide and forced disappearance. On Tuesday, prosecutors presented the charges against former … Sigue leyendo “Even in Wartime There are Moral Limits:” Plaintiffs Finalize Presentation of Genocide Charges against Senior Military Officials
Genocide Evidentiary Hearings Commence, Prosecution Outlines Charges Against Senior Military Officials
by JO-MARIE BURT AND PAULO ESTRADA Judge Miguel Ángel Gálvez has rejected a defense motion seeking his removal from the Maya Ixil genocide case. This happened on Tuesday in High Risk Court “B,” where the evidentiary phase of the case has just begun. Last November, Judge Gálvez, who presides over High Risk Court “B,” charged three senior military commanders … Sigue leyendo Genocide Evidentiary Hearings Commence, Prosecution Outlines Charges Against Senior Military Officials
Military Officials on Trial for Genocide Seek Judge’s Removal
by JO-MARIE BURT AND PAULO ESTRADA Judge Miguel Ángel Gálvez suspended yesterday’s pretrial hearing in the Maya Ixil genocide case after less than an hour. The suspension happened after one of the defense attorneys presented a motion seeking Judge Gálvez’s removal of from the case. Last November, Judge Gálvez, who presides over High Risk Court “B,” charged three … Sigue leyendo Military Officials on Trial for Genocide Seek Judge’s Removal
Guatemala to Begin Evidentiary Phase of Genocide Trial Against Senior Military Officials
by JO-MARIE BURT AND PAULO ESTRADA On Monday, March 9, the Guatemalan Attorney General’s Office will present its case against three senior military commanders who last November were charged with genocide, crimes against humanity, and forced disappearance against the Maya Ixil population during the government of General Fernando Romeo Lucas García (1978-1982). The 2013 genocide trial, which resulted … Sigue leyendo Guatemala to Begin Evidentiary Phase of Genocide Trial Against Senior Military Officials
Ex Kaibil Who Admitted to Killing in Dos Erres Massacre Deported to Guatemala
by JO-MARIE BURT AND PAULO ESTRADA The United States deported former Guatemalan special forces soldier Gilberto Jordán back to Guatemala today, after he served a ten-year sentence in the United States on charges of illegal procurement of U.S. citizenship and for his participation in the massacre at Las Dos Erres in December 1982. When U.S. authorities arrested him … Sigue leyendo Ex Kaibil Who Admitted to Killing in Dos Erres Massacre Deported to Guatemala
Appeals Hearing in the Molina Theissen Case Suspended
by JO-MARIE BURT AND PAULO ESTRADA On Wednesday, the First High Risk Court of Appeals held a hearing on the different appeals filed by the four former senior military officials convicted in the Molina Theissen case in 2018. Court President Anabella Cardona presided over the hearings along with judges Mynor Oxom and Marvin Reyes. In May 2018, High … Sigue leyendo Appeals Hearing in the Molina Theissen Case Suspended
Former Paramilitary Indicted in Guatemala in Maya Achi Sexual Violence Case
by JO-MARIE BURT AND PAULO ESTRADA Last week, a Guatemalan court indicted Francisco Cuxum Alvarado on charges of crimes against humanity and aggravated sexual assault in a case brought by 36 Maya Achi women. Judge Miguel Ángel Gálvez of High Risk Court “B” is overseeing the case. The case was turned over to Judge Gálvez after … Sigue leyendo Former Paramilitary Indicted in Guatemala in Maya Achi Sexual Violence Case
Guatemalan Man Wanted in the Maya Achi Sexual Violence Case Arrested
by JO-MARIE BURT AND PAULO ESTRADA Francisco Cuxum Alvarado, 64, was deported to Guatemala on Wednesday after having been convicted last December for illegal reentry into the United States. Cuxum Alvarado, who is wanted in relation to the Maya Achi sexual violence case, was immediately arrested by authorities. Authorities brought Cuxum Alvarado before Judge Israel Celada Galindo, who … Sigue leyendo Guatemalan Man Wanted in the Maya Achi Sexual Violence Case Arrested
