Former Guatemalan dictator to go before court for genocide

January 27, 2012 - 18:38 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - A court in Guatemala ordered the trial of former dictator Efrain Rios Montt for genocide and crimes against humanity, DPA reported.

The judge decided that Rios Montt, 85, had a case to answer but ordered him to be held under house arrest during the trial because of his age.

Rios Montt is accused of genocide against the Ixil ethnic group during the Central American country's civil war. Prosecutors outlined attacks that led to more than 1,700 deaths. The former general refused to respond to the charges.

During the 36-year civil war, the military regime obliterated numerous villages to prevent ethnic minority groups linking up with left-wing guerillas.

The civil war, which killed about 200,000 people, ended in 1996.

The former dictator, who ruled from 1982-83, had managed to avoid prosecution until recently because of the immunity that came with his status as a legislator. He lost his immunity when his term in office expired this month after failing to be re-elected in November.

 Top stories
Azerbaijan admits death of 192 soldiers in Karabakh offensiveAzerbaijan admits death of 192 soldiers in Karabakh offensive
Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive.
Azerbaijan increasing defense spending for 2023 by $650 millionAzerbaijan increasing defense spending for 2023 by $650 million
In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million).
Moscow could recognize those who speak Russian as Moscow could recognize those who speak Russian as "compatriots"
The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot".
Magnitude 5.6 quake causes damages in IranMagnitude 5.6 quake causes damages in Iran
The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.
Partner news
 Articles
Compassion is key, no matter what

An Italian photojournalist’s journey through the pandemic

 Most popular in the section
Global toll of mysterious hepatitis in children rises to 650 cases
Monkeypox does not pose a Covid-style risk, top health execs say
Sinjar becomes latest flashpoint for Iran-Turkey tensions in Iraq
Turkey-Syria earthquake death toll passes 15,000
Home
All news
Overview: World
Archive for January 27, 2012
Other news in this section
 Latest news
Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia
Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”.
U.S. doesn’t see Russia as contributing to peace in Caucasus Patel made the remarks when asked about the implications of Russia’s withdrawal of peacekeepers from Karabakh.
Up to 1% cashback when shopping on Wildberries with IDBank cards IDBank is launching an exclusive campaign on Wildberries for online shopping enthusiasts.
---