Human Rights Commission/USA El Quetzal A Quarterly Publication Issue #11 GHRC February 2012 A Question of Justice

Photo:Elperiodico.com

Hundreds gather during the trial of former dictator Efraín Ríos Montt, who was formally charged with genocide in January.

The election of Otto Pérez Molina, a for- Only time will tell if Otto Pérez Molina is ror, pain, and agony was unleashed upon mer military general accused of crimes any more successful than the last presi- the civilian, mostly indigenous, popula- against humanity, to the Presidency of dent who came to power using the ―mano tion. Hundreds of thousands of innocent Guatemala raises a number of significant dura‖ rhetoric: Alfonso Portillo of Ríos men, women, and children suffered rape, questions. One of these questions, how- Montt’s FRG party. Not only did Portillo torture, forced disappearance, massacres, ever, stands out from all of the others fail to curb the increasing crime rates assassinations and other heinous crimes because it speaks to Guatemala’s nefari- during his four years as president, he now at the hands of the Guatemalan military ous past, uncertain present, and fragile sits in a Guatemalan jail awaiting extradi- and paramilitary forces. hopes for the future: tion to the US on money laundering charges. For many years the dominant culture of What will justice look like during the impunity denied victims and their fami- next four years? The Wheels of Justice lies access to justice. Those responsible for planning and carrying out these hei- Pérez Molina, founder of the right-wing Guatemala’s recent history is tainted by nous crimes against humanity rested eas- Patriot Party, centered his presidential some of the cruelest, most brutal and hor- ily in the knowledge that the Guatemalan campaign on the promise of ―la mano rific acts of violence ever committed. The justice system was broken and incapable dura,‖ an ―iron fist‖ approach to fighting internal armed conflict (1960 -1996) was crime. the stage upon which unimaginable ter- Continued on Page 4

IN THIS ISSUE

Increased Attacks on Human Rights Defenders..….3 Pérez Molina’s Cabinet Appointments……..……....8 Ríos Montt Charged with Genocide……..….....5 Voiceless Speak Recipient Marvyn Pérez...………...10 GHRC Sends Letter to Pérez Molina..……..….……7 Photo Essay on Commemoration of Dos Erres……..12

3321 12th Street NE Washington, DC 20017-4008 Tel: (202) 529-6599 www.ghrc-usa.org Page 1 The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA GHRC Mission Letter from New Development and Advocacy

Founded in 1982, the Guate- Coordinator, Kathryn Johnson mala Human Rights Commis- sion/USA (GHRC) is a non- I went to Guatemala to learn in Guatemala when so profit, nonpartisan, humani- Spanish. I had heard that many problems stemmed tarian organization that there were inexpensive from the US. So I came monitors, documents, and schools in Xela and after a back; sad to say goodbye to reports on the human rights year in India without learn- a country which was begin- situation in Guatemala, advo- ing anything more than ning to feel like home, but, cates for survivors of human ―Namaste,‖ I swore never to I will admit, also relieved rights abuses in Guatemala, travel again without first to be away from heart- and works toward positive, learning the language of my breaking violence and at systemic change. host country. Thanks to the times suffocating insecu- amazing teachers at Proyecto Lingüistico Quet- rity. Board of Directors zalteco, I learned much, much more than a lan- guage. I learned about the history and reality of In graduate school, I slogged through the occa- Amy Kunz Co-President a country and its people, as well as my own sionally tedious classes on accounting, statis- country’s role in that history. I learned about tics, management and policy, but was sustained John Leary how a fruit company destroyed a democratic by the weeks and months that I was able to steal Co-President dream and how that destruction was just one back to Guatemala, back to the communities Joan Dawson more step in a long history of violence and theft risking their lives to defend their land and back Secretary from an indigenous majority. to the overwhelming hospitality that I have found in the regions where I worked. When I Janett Forte What I was learning seemed to keep coming Treasurer graduated last June, I was afraid I was going to back to land---from the old latifundios and va- have to find some other line of work. Unfortu- Yolanda Alcorta grancy laws which essentially constituted slav- nately, there aren’t many organizations here in América Calderón ery, to the overthrow of the democratic govern- the States working in solidarity with Guatemala, and certainly not many able to Christina del Castillo hire new staff, so I jumped at Kathy Ogle Now, I get to devote my time to doing the work I the chance to work with GHRC. love, supporting people that constantly amaze me, Jean-Marie Simon with a network of thousands of activists. Now, I get to devote my time to doing the work I love, support- Advisory Board ing people that constantly Kit Gage ment by the CIA in 1954, to the fierce resis- amaze me, with a network of thousands of ac- tance to megaprojects today. So when I saw a tivists. I also get to do this work from the belly Jennifer Harbury flier for a delegation with the Guatemala Soli- of the beast, Washington DC, where I can

Sr. Dianna Ortiz darity Project (GSP) focused on campesino physically track down our elected representa- movements and their resistance to displacement, tives when they don’t respond if need be. Sr. Alice Zachmann it seemed like a natural continuation of my edu- Through GHRC I have also had the opportunity

cation. I was thrilled when, at the end of the to branch out to other areas of human rights not Staff delegation, I was offered an opportunity to join so directly connected to land, like supporting GSP and support the communities which I had the courageous women’s organizations working Kelsey Alford-Jones visited as well as several others. Over the next against violence and . Director couple of years, the community leaders I Robert Mercatante worked with through GSP constantly amazed As you all know, it’s a tough time to be in- Human Rights Defender Pro- and inspired me with their strength, resilience volved in struggles for human rights in Guate- gram and resourcefulness, and I was honored to work mala, with escalating violence and what’s look- with them ing like a return to military rule. However, it’s Kathryn Johnson also a time of great opportunity, as Advocacy and Development However, I kept bumping against the reality of continue to speak out despite great risk to them- how incredibly damaging and counterproduc- selves, and more and more Americans are aware Coordinator tive so many of the policies of my own country of the impact of our policies on the world. So, I are. The combination of our drug policy, our for one am looking forward to taking advantage Interns trade policy and our immigration policy all of this opportunity and seeing what we can ac-

Alicia Brizuela seemed maliciously designed to keep the major- complish together. ity of Guatemalans trapped in an unequal capi- Abby Kamp talist system with the rules stacked against In solidarity, them. It started to seem foolish to keep working Kathryn Johnson

Page 2 Issue #11/ February 2012 Criminalization and Assassinations of Human Rights Defenders on the Rise

Victor Leiva was a young artist and versely affecting 15 thousand people in founding member of Caja Ludica, an arts nearby communities. When three people collective working to rebuild Guate- were murdered, Abelardo was arrested mala’s social fabric through art and cul- and taken to trial. The prosecuting attor- ture. Known as ―el mono‖ – the monkey ney – who also happened to be the legal – Leiva danced and performed on stilts, representative of the cement company – working to engage youth in positive and went so far as to request the expansion of creative activities. He was only 24 when, charges against him, calling him a on February 2, 2011, he was shot twice in ―person considered to be dangerous‖, the head on the street in . presumably referring to his community To date, no one has been arrested for his activism. Despite a severe lack of evi- . dence, inconsistent witness testimony, and numerous procedural violations, Victor was one of 19 human rights de- Abelardo was given a 150-year prison fenders assassinated in 2011, according to sentence in July of 2009, and ordered to UDEFEGUA’s annual report, more than pay Q1.036.300 (approximately US double the number killed in 2010, and $130,000) to the families of the victims. higher than any year in the past decade. His appeal was denied.

Defenders play an important role in Gua- While there was not a clear case against temala. They work to promote and defend “El Mono lives: Justice for Victor Leiva” Abelardo, there was, in fact, enough evi- both individual and community rights, dence to pursue an investigation of the denounce impunity, and/or accompany ―citizen security‖ group that had been community leaders on a myriad of issues, ests or local powerbrokers against impov- reportedly carrying out acts of social including women’s rights, indigenous erished indigenous community leaders, a cleansing in the area. The group consists land rights, and the right to justice and process which disproportionately affects of several former military members that truth. They are the nation’s community the time, energy, resources, and wellbe- work on behalf of the cement company. leaders, journalists, advocates, govern- ing of the accused. Furthermore, it can Meanwhile, activists continue to receive ment watchdogs, and whistleblowers. lead to destructive rumors and fuel defa- threats and intimidations, and despite mation campaigns. The criminalization of reporting to the proper authorities, no The ongoing lack of prevention, protec- defenders often results in jail time for the investigation has been made into these tion of defenders, or prosecutions of victims of a crime, while the true perpe- acts. Community members in San Juan those responsible, is an institutional and trator walks free. estimate that some 85 people have been systemic problem; even the government’s victims of criminal prosecutions and fines human rights agencies provide little sup- In such cases, Guatemala’s notoriously due to their opposition to the cement port. While the government is directly weak judicial system suddenly appears to company. Currently four people have responsible for attacks against defenders function smoothly: arrest warrants are active arrest warrants and four others are in some cases, threats and aggressions are acted upon quickly, trials occur, and sen- in jail. more frequently carried out by non-state tences are given to those found ―guilty‖. actors. The government plays a support- Yet clearly, when case after case with UDEFEGUA and other organizations ing role, providing protection for the little to no relevant evidence presented have denounced ongoing assassinations company or other special interest, stalling leads to guilty verdicts, justice is not the of defenders, and the pattern of increas- or neglecting to investigate attacks, or objective; the courts simply ―go through ing criminalization, to the Inter-American ordering judicial action against a de- the motions‖ of judicial protocol as justi- Commission on Human Rights, hoping fender. fication for punishing human rights activ- that the international community can pro- ists. The defendants are left prove their vide much needed support for defenders, According to UDEFEGUA, the criminali- innocence, rather than the prosecution and pressure on the Guatemalan govern- zation of defenders is an emerging pattern proving them guilty, and the sentences ment and courts to apply the rule of law in which human rights defenders or com- they receive can be unusually severe for appropriately. munity leaders are accused of a crime, the crime for they are accused. and Guatemala’s courts are manipulated GHRC continues to support human rights to legitimize the process. Criminalization The case of Abelardo Curup from San defenders through advocacy, awareness highlights the power of special interests -- Juan Sacatepéquez, which began in 2008, raising, direct support for emergency whether judges, mayors, or businessmen is especially illustrative. Abelardo, 62, is relocation, and educational support funds working through local authorities -- to co- a community leader involved in opposi- for children of defenders. opt legal mechanisms for their own bene- tion to a cement company in the region. fit. Cases often pit wealthy special inter- The company’s operations were ad-

Page 3 Issue #11/ February 2012

A Question of Justice Continued from Page 1

of convicting those who so rightly belong served as Interior mala. Before entering the courtroom, behind bars. Minister for the General Montt was met by survivors of Ríos Montt re- his mass killings, torture and rape, who Only now, some fifteen years after the gime. He re- shouted the historic slogan: ―Because the signing of the peace accords, is Guate- cently presented color of blood will never be forgotten, the mala beginning to prosecute those re- a baseless law- massacred will be avenged.‖ (“¡Porque el sponsible for ordering and participating suit against 32 color de la sangre jamás se olvida, los in the atrocities committed during the supposed mem- masacrados serán vengados!‖) The armed conflict. bers of the Gua- dictator’s only response was a smug, self- temalan National righteous smile. Twelve hours later, as In 2007 the UN International Commis- Revolutionary overwhelming evidence and testimony sion against Impunity in Guatemala Unity (URNG), Dr. Claudia Paz y Paz had been presented against him, the smile (CICIG) gave the Guatemalan justice including Dr. Paz y Paz´s recently de- was gone, and evidently the words of the system some much-needed support by ceased father. An emboldened Mendez Maya Ixil people were still echoing in his providing independent investigations into Ruiz confirmed that the lawsuit was mind. His only comment during the entire organized crime and corruption. In 2010, meant to harass and intimidate the attor- trial was a worried plea towards the very lawyer and human rights activist, Dr. ney general. "Yes, this is political," ex- end: ―The point here is to seek justice, Claudia Paz y Paz, was appointed as Gua- claimed Méndez Ruiz. "It is against the not vengeance.‖ temala's first female Attorney General, Attorney General, for the love of god, I'm awaking latent hopes for long-overdue taking aim at her." The former general’s lawyers attempted justice in Guatemala. The wheels of jus- something akin to a reverse ―Nuremberg tice may turn slowly in Guatemala, but Since then, two more criminal complaints defense.‖ The Nazi officials at the Nur- they were indeed turning. have been brought against large groups of emberg trials claimed that they could not supposed members of the guerrilla move- be held guilty for actions that were or- Campaign against Claudia Paz y Paz. ment for acts committed during the inter- dered by a superior officer. Ríos Montt, nal armed conflict. Both complaints read as head of the military junta, president of A woman of outstanding personal and as a who’s-who of the human rights com- the country, and Commander-in-Chief of professional values, Dr. Paz y Paz has worked diligently to strengthen the insti- tutions of the Public Ministry responsible Only now, some fifteen years after the signing of the peace accords, is for investigating and prosecuting crimes Guatemala beginning to prosecute those responsible for ordering and of the past and present. Through her tire- participating in the atrocities committed during the armed conflict.. less dedication and courage she chal- lenged the culture of impunity that has munity and the left including journalists, the Armed Forces, couldn’t claim the historically denied victims and their fami- authors, attorneys and the former first same. So his defense team tried the oppo- lies access to justice. lady Sandra Torres; the cases included site tact: the terrible massacres happened, the Attorney General’s father and a total they admitted, but the general had no Dr. Paz y Paz has not been afraid to of 12 other family members. control over the army, nor was he aware tackle major human cases and prosecute of the massacres. the crimes against humanity committed According to the Guatemalan Constitu- during the armed conflict. Army officials tion, the attorney general serves for a Judge Carol Patricia Flores didn’t buy the are finally being held accountable for period of four years. In order to guarantee argument. Judge Flores has been charged their role in the genocide committed the separation of powers, the president with presiding over some of the most against the population. can only remove Dr. Paz y Paz from her groundbreaking human rights cases in position if there exists a "duly justified Guatemala's history. In her ruling, she Unfortunately, in seeking to prosecute the and substantiated reason." Although Pérez referred repeatedly to the ―despicable material and intellectual authors of these Molina, under immense international acts‖ which occurred during the time of crimes, the Attorney General has awoken pressure, has publicly stated that he will Ríos Montt’s dictatorship. She cited one the ire of pro-military structures and or- not remove the Attorney General from case in particular, that of a young indige- ganizations. Since the victory of Pérez office, it remains to be seen how much nous girl who was bound by soldiers Molina's Patriot Party those who oppose freedom she will have to fully comply from head to toe in such a brutal way her work have become increasingly vocal with the demands of her office. that… Judge Flores paused for a moment and confrontational. raising her hand to her mouth as if chok- The General’s Day in Court ing on the words that she was about to Ricardo Méndez Ruiz Valdés is one of say…. the girl’s eyes fell from their sock- those opponents. He was kidnapped by January 26th, 2012 will be remembered as ets. The girl died shortly thereafter. guerilla forces in 1982 while his father a landmark moment for justice in Guate- Continued on Page 5

Page 4 Issue #11/ February 2012 A Question of Justice Ríos Montt Charged with Genocide and Crimes Continued from Page 4 against Humanity ―These were acts so degrading and so humiliating that there can be no justifica- On January 26, after a hearing that lasted tional and international organizations in- tion for them,‖ affirmed Flores. She then all day, Judge Patricia Flores announced cluding GHRC to gain access to evidence charged Ríos Montt with genocide and that former dictator Efraín Ríos Montt of the military´s strategy and patterns of crimes against humanity and placed him would be charged with genocide and abuse. under house arrest. The trial against the crimes against humanity, an historic step former dictator will begin in April. in a decade-long quest for justice for egre- Ríos Montt has been a member of Con- gious crimes committed in the early gress since 2007 and under Guatemalan Pérez Molina Responds 1980s. Ríos Montt, who took power in a law was immune from any prosecution. military coup in March 1982, oversaw a However, when his term ended on Janu- Unfortunately, the new president wasted brutal scorched earth policy in Guate- ary 14, 2012, he was promptly subpoe- no time in making his opinion known. mala’s indigenous highland regions. naed. Judge Flores also ordered that Ríos While saying that he would ―respect what Montt be placed under house arrest and the courts and tribunals have to say,‖ Otto The charges identify Ríos Montt as the post a bond of Q500,000 (about $64,000). Pérez Molina singlehandedly rejected all intellectual author of the crimes commit- evidence to the contrary and proclaimed: ted by armed forces in 1982-83 in Guate- It will be important for the Public Prose- ―There was no genocide here.‖ mala’s Ixil Triangle in the department of cutor’s Office to follow through with the El Quiché: the forced displacement of genocide case and the charges against So we return to question: What will jus- 29,000, the deaths of 1,771 individuals in Ríos Montt, and for the President to pro- tice look like during the next four years? 11 massacres, as well as torture and 1,485 vide strong support for a transparent and Based on the first two weeks of the new acts of sexual violence against women. independent judicial process. Doubts have administration, the outlook isn’t particu- been raised about the current administra- larly hopeful. While the Ríos Montt trial The decision to try Ríos Montt is based tions political will to move key cases for- is an enormous step forward, other major on his command responsibility: as leader ward; President Otto Pérez Molina was a human rights cases are stuck in legal of the military high command, he Major during Ríos Montt´s regime, and limbo. The case of Efraín Bámaca (a ―authorized, created, designed and super- was in a command position in the Ixil guerilla leader who was disappeared, tor- vised‖ the military’s counterinsurgency Triangle where the genocide was carried tured, and assassinated by army officials) strategy. Furthermore, the state policy of out. In response to the case, the president has been blocked by a series of dubious violence was carried out against a specific stated that he would respect the court’s legal maneuvers. Threats and attacks on ethnic group, the Ixil Maya, declaring decision, but that personally he did not public officials attempting to carry out them internal enemies that needed to be believe that genocide was committed in arrest warrants have become all too com- ―destroyed‖, which constituted genocide. Guatemala. mon. Frivolous lawsuits against human rights defenders are part of the troubling Guatemala´s strict chain of command and For communities who were victims of the trend of the criminalization of activists, participation of top government officials genocide, this case is an important step in journalists, and community leaders. in military activity was demonstrated with their search for truth, historical memory, declassified Guatemalan and US docu- and to guarantee that these acts are never One final risk to justice in Guatemala is ments including military strategy plans repeated. Justice, for many communities, the existence of a coordinated campaign Operación Sofía, Plan Victoria ’82 and is a first – and necessary – step to begin to pushing for a general amnesty along the Plan Firmenza ’83. This was only possi- heal from the past. lines of ’s highly controversial ble because of years of advocacy by na- ―Ley de Punto Final‖ or ―Full Stop Law‖ that would pardon those responsible for torture, murder, genocide, and other war crimes. This law would be the legal equivalent of ―let bygones be bygones‖ Volunteer or Intern with GHRC! and would serve as an obstacle to truth, reconciliation, and justice for the victims Interested in getting more involved with the Guatemala Human of the armed conflict. Rights Commission? Let us know! Whether it is in our DC office or from afar, there are many opportunities to help out. We are ac- President Otto Pérez Molina and his Pa- triot Party promise that, in their ever- cepting applications for summer interns, volunteer translators present slogan, ―A change is coming.‖ (must be fluent in Spanish), and passionate activists who would like What that change represents for justice in Guatemala is a question that only time to help educate or fundraise in their own community. will answer.

Page 5 The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA New Administration to Focus on Fighting Organized Crime

President Otto Pérez Molina’s new ad- ment employees confess ministration has been vociferous in pro- that they have to request claiming that its biggest threats to na- permission from drug lords tional security are drug trafficking or- to be able to work in cer- ganizations (DTOs) and organized crime tain areas controlled by the networks, The president’s proposed solu- ―narcos.‖ Clandestine air- tion is an ―iron fist‖ strategy which strips in northern jungle seemed to appeal to many Guatemalan’s regions, remnants from the fed up with extremely high rates of vio- internal conflict, have his- lent crime. In his inaugural address, Pérez torically provided traffick- Molina promised to ―show results‖ in the ers with an easy way to first six months of his presidency and move their product. Coor- ―cut the murder rate by half by the end of dination between crime his term.‖ groups and security forces has allowed free move- However, Pérez Molina backed by the ment of drugs and people “New Kaibil Course” Cartoon from enclavedefo.blogspot.com multi-million dollar security partnership throughout the country, from the US government is focusing on even through military and police check vicious of the drug cartels currently oper- military solutions. Meanwhile all evi- points. ating in Guatemala, Los Zetas, actively dence has shown this to be a faulty strat- recruits graduates of the Kaibil school. egy that fuels more violence than it pre- There is also evidence that Guatemala is An army spokesperson recently con- vents, and is unlikely to reduce corrup- evolving beyond its traditional role as a fessed: ―We’ve counted about 14 or 16 tion or dismantle the parallel power struc- transport zone and warehouse for South former Kaibiles who have been arrested tures within the government. American cocaine to that of a producer of and linked to organized crime. But you synthetic drugs. In the past year, an un- have to keep in mind that once they leave Organized precedented amount of ―precursor‖ the army we no longer have any control chemicals have been confiscated, proof of over them.‖ There is no doubt that DTOs pose a seri- the growing presence of meth labs in the ous and urgent threat to Guatemalan citi- country. US Involvement zen security and rule of law. The groups control vast sections of Guatemala’s terri- Interestingly, Pérez Molina recently Militarizing the ―war on drugs‖ has been tory and have influence throughout local joined Mexican president Calderón and the US government’s justification for and national political offices, law en- Colombian president Santos in expressing bulking up security and military opera- forcement and the military, and their vio- support for decriminalization of drug use, tions in . As the US has lent tactics (and expansive weapons arse- a proposal he will soon take to other Cen- poured over $9 billion dollars into failed nal) have been a key contributor to both tral American leaders. crime fighting efforts in and Co- Guatemala’s high murder rate and its lombia, DTOs have increased operations embarrassing impunity rate. In the past Kaibiles versus Zetas? in , a region with fewer four years, more than 24,000 Guatema- resources with which to combat drug lans have been murdered, giving the After his election, Pérez Molina immedi- trafficking and related crime. Meanwhile, country an average homicide rate of 43 ately called on the army to ―neutralize key factors in the drug trade – US con- deaths per 100,000 citizens. (As a point illegal armed groups by means of military sumption and the illegal arms flow of US of comparison, in the Iraqi city of Mosul, power,‖ and one of his first announce- weapons to Mexico – continue with no the most violent in the Middle East, the ments as President was his plan to in- serious attempts by policy-makers to ad- rate is 35 per 100,000 people.) crease the use of the Kaibiles in combat- dress these issues. ing organized crime. The Kaibiles, the Guatemala has been particularly vulner- elite special forces unit, are notorious for President Pérez Molina has asked the able to the influx of organized crime and their intense training program and his- United States to support his harsh tactics drug trafficking for several reasons. A toric responsibility for some of the most to crack down on organized crime, ex- weak government, judicial system and horrific human rights abuses committed pressing his intentions to push for the police force make the country an easy during the internal armed conflict. (Four lifting of the current partial ban on US aid target for corruption, recruitment, and former Kaibil soldiers were recently con- to the Guatemalan army. Despite the intimidation by powerful organized crime demned to 6,060 years of prison each for ban, the US Department of Defense and groups. Guatemalan authorities have their participation in the massacre of over other agencies are already heavily in- stated that 40 to 60 percent of the coun- 200 in the village of Dos Erres in 1982.) volved in Guatemala’s security strategy try’s territory may be under the effective and training of Guatemalan forces. control of drug traffickers, and govern- Equally troubling is the fact that the most Continued on Page 7

Page 6 Issue #11/ February 2012 International Organizations Call on Pérez Molina to Protect Human Rights

In a letter delivered by GHRC to Guate- respect international conventions requir- defend Guatemala’s multicultural and malan President Otto Pérez Molina last ing informed, prior consent from indige- multi-ethnic citizenry, particularly indige- week, thirty-eight international organiza- nous peoples before any resources are nous peoples.‖ tions expressed concern regarding human exploited on their lands. Organizations also denounced the move violations committed on an ongoing basis in Guatemala and called on the new ad- ministration to take concrete actions to "We hope that the promotion of human rights and the protection of the guarantee the human rights, safety and most vulnerable populations are central policies in the government's well-being of all Guatemalans. The sign- plans to improve Guatemalans' security and quality of life." ers included organizations based in Gua- temala, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Swit- The signatories voiced their strong sup- by the President to exclude civil society zerland, Spain, Sweden and Australia. port for Attorney General Claudia Paz y from the election of the Presidential Paz and the International Commission Women’s Secretariat. "We hope that the promotion of human against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) rights and the protection of the most vul- in their efforts to combat impunity. While recognizing the complexity of nerable populations are central policies in Emphasizing the importance of support Guatemala's security situation, the or- the government's plans to improve Guate- for victims of the internal armed conflict ganizations expressed concern over the malans' security and quality of life," the and the prosecution of those responsible use of the military in citizen security ini- letter reads. for crimes against humanity, the letter tiatives. The letter encouraged solutions reiterated the need to carry through with to organized crime and violence that fo- In addition to generalized violence, the key cases from the internal conflict, and cus on prevention, strengthen the police, letter specifically addressed concern stated: the judiciary and the Public Prosecutor’s about the increase in attacks against hu- office. The signatories have promised to man rights defenders. It also urged the ―We trust that your administration will continue to monitor the situation and in- government to prevent violent evictions, prioritize comprehensive implementation vited the new administration to engage in which in the past few years have left nu- of the Peace Accords, will support efforts dialogue with human rights groups about merous dead and hundreds of families for the recuperation of historic memory, these issues. without land, homes or food security and and will promote policies that respect and

New Administration to Focus on Organized Crime Continued from Page 6

The Central American Regional Security are spent and which has done little con- However, combating violence and organ- Initiative (CARSI) was initially created in sultation with civil society organizations. ized crime are two separate issues – and 2007 as part of the Mérida Initiative, an criminal networks are not Guatemala’s agreement between the US and Mexico to What’s Next? only challenge. Gearing up for a war on fight organized crime, with the aim of DTOs will overshadow other, equally ―disrupting the flow of narcotics, drugs, By centering the fight against organized pressing problems – such as poverty, weapons and bulk cash generated by il- crime on the Kaibiles – fighting fire with hunger, lack of access to heath, educa- licit drug sales…and providing a safer fire – Guatemala is mimicking a strategy tion, and land – and may end up increas- and more secure region where criminal that has left over 40,000 dead in Mexico ing violence and human rights violations. organizations no longer wield the power over the last five years. Indigenous com- Amanda Martin to destabilize governments.‖ munities and human rights groups also In response, GHRC and partner organiza- have expressed their concern over send- tions continue to monitor militarization in Since 2008, the US has provided Central ing the Special Forces back into regions Guatemala and neighboring countries, America with $361 million through which suffered so greatly at their hand and seek to support alternative solutions Mérida and CARSI and will likely allo- only a few decades before. The Kaibiles to combating violence and criminal activ- cate $100 million for 2012, $55 million will join thousands of army personnel in ity including the strengthening of civil of which would go to fund projects in providing security. The new administra- institutions, a focus on prevention, and Guatemala. In 2012, much of CARSI- tion has also announced an expansion of the dismantling of criminal networks designated funds will like go through the military checkpoints, on the nation’s through judicial prosecutions. System for Central American Integration highways which may or may not be run (SICA), a regional body that unfortu- jointly with the police. nately lacks transparency in how funds

Page 7 The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA Political Appointments Favor Military and Corporate Interests

Pérez Molina’s ascent to the presidency temala’s equivalents of the Department of Ambassador to the US under Portillo (now has placed the armed forces front and cen- Homeland Security and Secret Service, the facing extradition to the US for money ter in government. Those appointed to run Defense Department, the National Civilian laundering and embezzlement) and ardent important ministries do not stand out for Policeand the National Security Council – supporter of Ríos Montt (now on trial for exemplary record of public service, but which coordinates and supervises all insti- genocide). rather seem to have been chosen for their tutions responsible for security. All, except loyalty to Pérez Molina, both from his Defense, are civil institutions. The brother of an oil executive now over- days in the Special Forces and in military sees mining and drilling licenses and a intelligence; as well as to the private sector The new face of the Secretariat of Peace, textile and maquila baron oversees eco- and corporate interests. the office charged with overseeing the im- nomic development. plementation of the Peace Accords, is Military and former military now run Gua- Antonio Arenales Forno who served as Here’s a deeper look at four.

Interior Minister: Mauricio Lopez Bonilla Minister of Defense - Ulises Noe Anzueto Giron As Interior Minister, Lopez Bonilla will oversee the National Civilian As Defense Minister, Anzueto Giron will Police, the penitentiary system, oversee President Pérez Molina’s plan to immigration and border patrol, increase the military’s involvement in citi- and civil intelligence gathering. zen security, and to use the Kaibiles to fight organized crime. A Retired Lieutenant Colonel and graduate of the Kaibil School, Lo- A former Director of the Kaibil School, pez Bonilla is known as a military Photo: Laprensa.hn Anzueto Giron served in the Guatemalan man with a love for politics. In Army for the last 31 years, the majority of Photo: Daylife.com 1981 he led ―Operation Xibalba,‖ one of the largest military his career as a parachutist or Special Forces officer. In 1992, he offenses during the conflict. In 1982, he was a member of the oversaw operations in the military base in San Marcos that has 6-member Junta Advisory Group which overthrew General been identified as the location where ex-guerrilla Commander Lucas Garcia. Under Ríos Montt, he was assigned the task of ―Everardo‖ Efraín Bámaca was tortured. He one of nine military defending the military government against constant accusa- officials included in the 1995 criminal case of Bámaca’s torture tions of human rights violations. He worked with Pérez and extrajudicial execution. He was promoted to General as he Molina as a member of the Military Joint Chiefs of Staff took his post as Defense Minister. andin 2011 he served as Pérez Molina’s campaign manager. He has been working closely with the Minister of Defense to ―recuperate, defend and secure territory.‖ Minister of Energy and Mines: Erick Archila Dehesa As Minister of Energy and Mines, Archila Secretary of Strategic Intelligence: will oversee Guatemala’s use and manage- José María Argueta ment of natural resources. He plans to The Secretariat of Strategic Intelli- encourage investment in petroleum and gence is in charge of strategic analy- renewable resources, and will be in charge sis and identifying threats to assist of granting exploration and extraction li- the President in decision-making. censes. Conflict around extractive indus- tries and mining projects have caused on- Secretary Argueta has strong ties to Photo: elperiodico.com going human rights violations. the military, and is former director of Photo: elperiodico.com the Center for Strategic Studies for National Stability A businessman with strong ties to media and extractive industries, (ESTNA), which worked to blend civil and military spheres. Archila has no direct experience in government, nor professional He is currently the Vice-President of International Affairs for expertise in issues related to the extractive industry. Archila him- the Inter-Ocean Corridor of Guatemala, also known as the self was the owner, until recently, of cable station Canal Antigua Dry Corridor. The Corridor is a $7 billion project which will and. His brother Alejandro (Alex) Archila is the Vice President of connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans by highway, rail and Planning and Portfolio Management of the world’s largest pipeline. The process of obtaining rights to the land where it ―diversified resources‖ company, BHP Billiton, which operates would be constructed is underway. The Corridor would take metal, diamond, oil, and coal (among other) projects in 25 coun- up about 3% of the land in Guatemala and has been described tries around the world. Until 2008, BHP owned a portion of the as essentially a ―private bridge.‖ President Pérez Molina has HudBay nickel mining project in El Estor, Izabal. The private announced that the construction of the Corridor is his infra- security of the company has been accused in Canadian courts of structure priority, but many fear that it will lead to further involvement in rape and murder. mass evictions and conflicts over land.

Page 8 Issue #11/ February 2012

New Report Reiterates Marlin Mine’s Risk to Guatemala

―When juxtaposed against the long-term The mine has also become a cautionary and uncertain environmental risk, the example for communities in opposition to economic benefits of the [Marlin] mine to large-scale extractive industry projects. Guatemala and especially to the local Numerous municipalities in the neighbor- communities…are meager and short- ing department of Huehuetenango have lived.‖ held community referendums in which citizens voted overwhelmingly against This conclusion was one of the main mining projects, and have declared ―mine findings of a report presented in October -free zones.‖ Nonetheless, There are cur- 2011, by Lubya Zarsky and Leonardo rently 117 permits for mineral explora- Stanley on the economic benefits and tion. Reform of the mining law continues environmental risks of the Marlin Mine, to be debated in Congress. which is located in Guatemala’s far northeastern department of San Marcos. In San Marcos, however, years of activ- The mine has received a great deal of ism – and documented negative environ- international attention, thanks largely to mental and health impacts – have not courageous opposition from residents in managed to deter mining giant GoldCorp, nearby communities despite violent re- as well as Goldcorp’s lack of a plan for which runs the Marlin Mine. In 2005, a pression and deadly retaliation. mine closure and remediation, the envi- referendum was held in which the local ronmental risks of the mine are extremely population overwhelmingly rejected its The authors of the report, Searching for high. According to the authors, ―the long- existence. Since then, there have been Gold in the Highlands of Guatemala, term impact of Marlin will be to impover- widespread protests against the mine and write that ―little if any of the economic ish and to impose high health risks on the a petition was sent to the Inter American benefits of the Marlin mine have been local communities surrounding the mine Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). applied toward productive investment in – even without taking into account a In 2010, the IACHR requested that the building sustainable industries that could range of other cultural and social costs, Guatemalan government suspend mining generate income after mining closure.‖ including the destructive impacts of in- operations, but rescinded the request in The mine is expected to have a produc- tense conflict on the social fabric.‖ December 2011. tive life of about 10-15 years, which means that the economic benefits of the Zarsky and Stanley do not downplay the Residents have already seen the destruc- mine will be very short lived. Local gov- economic benefits of the mine. Gold and tion and illness the mine brings as well as ernments, meanwhile, legally receive silver prices have shot up over the last the lack of local development. They did only one half of one percent of the mine’s few years and production costs for the not need economists from the US to point earnings; even less reaches the communi- Marlin Mine are relatively low, meaning out these facts of their life. Nonetheless, ties. huge profits for shareholders of Gold- the report can help sway the tide of inter- corp, the company who owns the mine. national opinion away from the irrespon- The environmental costs on the other From 2000-2010 the value of Goldcorp’s sible and unsustainable mining project hand will last much longer. According to stock rose by over 1,400 percent. and lend support to the surrounding com- the report, acid mine drainage of highly munities fighting for their health, land, toxic metals into water sources can last However, the report shows that even and the wellbeing of their families. centuries or even millennia. Already, though in 2010 the Marlin Mine was the residents near the mine have reported single largest taxpayer in Guatemala, skin rashes, respiratory ailments and sick local communities do not reap the cattle, as well as damages to buildings rewards of the mine. Since 1997, from blasting. Guatemala has very poor royalties paid by mining company environmental monitoring and regulation have been at 1%, the lowest in and has done little to assess or reduce the Latin America. Overall, the Guate- impact of the mine on local communities, malan government receives about leaving Goldcorp to regulate itself. Un- 15% of the mine’s earnings in the fortunately, though it tries to market itself form of royalties and taxes. (This, as a responsible company ―Goldcorp’s however, is set to increase, after record of environmental compliance, Guatemala’s Association of Ex- monitoring and disclosure has been found tractive Industries signed a volun- to be below par.‖ tary agreement to pay up to 5% royalties.) Considering Guatemala’s extreme vulner- Protest in Vancouver, British Columbia denounces ability to climate change and earthquakes, GoldCorp´s mining practices in Sipakapa, San Marcos. [Mimundo.org]

Page 9 The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA Voiceless Speak Grant Recipient Advocates for Justice

For Marvyn Pérez, the recent decision to no longer police. They were uniformed bring charges against Efraín Ríos Montt soldiers with disturbing amounts of infor- is especially poignant. He himself was a mation about the students, demanding victim of Ríos Montt’s brutally repressive that they identify people in huge books of regime and has spent his life denouncing photos. the violence of the internal armed conflict and any moves toward impunity for the After four days, Marvyn was taken out of perpetrators. the Department of Technical Investiga- tion. He was handcuffed, blindfolded and Marvyn was born in Guatemala City to taken to another place, a house, where parents who were manual laborers. He ―everything changed.‖ He could hear the says that despite his family’s poverty he crying and screams of other prisoners. He had a childhood that was ―normal.‖ In the was stripped naked, his hands and feet early 1980’s, even though Marvyn was were bound and he was thrown on the still a child, he joined his older sisters in ground where he shivered with cold and Marvyn Pérez the student movement. The student’s de- fear. They asked him about the guerilla mands were basic: education, and school movement. Where were the guns? What Not long after arriving in the US, Marvyn supplies in the classrooms. But this was a were they going to do next? Punches was contacted by the Religious Task time when any demands were seen as gave way to physical torture. He was Force about joining a tour called Children subversive. In addition, this was just a burnt with cigarettes, given electrical of War. Marvyn agreed to participate, not year after the burning of the Spanish Em- shocks, kicked and punched mercilessly. really knowing what he was signing up bassy, in which 36 peasants died protest- Denied food and water, he was left cold for. In New York, at the beginning of the ing the government’s repression, and the and starving. He was 14 years old. tour, children and youth were brought student movement had developed a close together who had suffered in conflicts all relationship with the peasant and Marvyn was released 12 days after be- over the world. The young Marvyn was worker’s movements. The government, ing pulled off the bus. His parents hid shocked. Up to that point he had been a therefore, saw them as a threat. him and his sisters with relatives on Gua- local activist and Guatemala has been his temala’s south coast as his mother whole world. He had never heard of

apartheid in South Africa or the conflicts For Marvyn, it is crucial that his and others’ memories are preserved. in Northern Ireland or Palestine. Yet here “There can be no forgiveness, no reconciliation without justice. Such he was meeting other young people from all these places, people his own age who cruelty cannot go unpunished.” had suffered like he had or worse.

On May 29, 1982, Marvyn was riding on searched for a ―coyote‖ to get them out of He began to gain confidence and talk a bus with a couple of his fellow students the country. A few months later they all more openly about what had happened to when he heard sirens. At first they dis- escaped to Mexico and eventually him. This was his first time recounting missed them, but then the bus stopped crossed into the US by way of Tijuana. his story in front of people his age who and police ordered the passengers to get After arriving in Los Angeles, they joined understood the trauma he had been out. They pulled Marvyn and his two other activists in organizing speaking through. Though the tour was exhausting friends aside, searched them and beat tours and events to support refugees ar- – with a grueling schedule presenting in them, then took them the Department of riving in ever greater numbers. schools, churches and even prisons – it Technical Investigation of the National was profoundly healing. It also opened Police. On the way there, the youths were Years later, trying to understand what had windows of understanding in the young beat again, this time with the butts of happened to him, Marvyn combed the Marvyn and a new perspective into the guns. newspapers for more information. He was complexity of the world. surprised at how much had been pub- That night the interrogation began. ―Who lished about the disappearance of these In the years since, Marvyn has continued is your family? Who are your friends? 16 students. Of the group, 13, including to tell his story and remains committed to Where do you live?‖ They were asked Marvyn, were released under Ríos working for justice. He went home to over and over again. Routine, basic ques- Montt’s amnesty program. One was Guatemala for several years, where he tions, but they were accompanied by killed trying to escape and two simply was again active in social movements, blows and insults. More and more stu- disappeared. By the end of the war in but has since returned to LA. dents arrived, some badly beaten and 1996, the United Nations tallied an esti- some not, but all said they were being mated 47,000 Guatemalans who were Now, he is regularly called upon by com- asked the same basic questions. Then disappeared by government forces. munity groups to speak about Guatemala things changed. Their interrogators were Continued on Page 11

Page 10 Issue #11/ February 2012 GHRC Brings Indigenous Leader Maria Choc on Midwest Speaking Tour

―I’m a Q’eqchi’ women, with little for- for defending mal education. I don’t come with a the- community ory, but to tell you what I have in my land rights – heart, and what I’ve seen with my eyes,‖ widely recog- Maria said, speaking to packed venues in nized as a DC and across the Midwest. ―I’m a vic- political pris- tim of the violence and discrimination in oner due to Guatemala… it is hard to remember these his illegal nightmares.‖ detention by members of Maria Cuc Choc, GHRC’s guest speaker the military during a two-week tour in November and the 2011, discussed her work with communi- trumped up ties in El Estor, Izabal, and the Polochic charges Valley. The communities have been against him. deeply affected by national and multina- Her brother-in tional development projects and violent -law, Adolfo forced evictions. Ich, was vic- tim of a brutal Her emotional personal story of struggle murder in Maria Choc, right, and GHRC Director Kelsey Alford-Jones speak at inspired many, and challenged students to 2009 at the North Park College in Chicago, Ill. put their lives in perspective. ―I want to hands of the tell you students: you live a calm life, private security of the nickel mining com- The tour reached hundreds and stopped in with enough food… but that is not true pany in El Estor. Chicago, Grinnell, IA, and St. Paul, MN. for many communities, and many chil- dren are malnourished due to these injus- ―It isn’t easy to organize, and not easy to In a particularly touching conclusion to tices.‖ be in solidarity with fellow community the tour at Macalester College, her members, because companies don’t stand nephew, and the son of Adolfo, stared Maria’s activism, conviction and strength by and watch; they threaten and intimi- back at her from the audience – a recipi- grew out of her family’s persecution dur- date you, a strategy from 1980s that they ent of a students scholarship, his host ing the internal conflict. She did not live continue to use.‖ family drove him from Wisconsin to hear the worst of the war but she remembers Maria speak. that for much of her childhood she barely Maria herself has suffered threats and saw her father, who was forced to flee intimidation, and is not blind to the risk ―Defending your rights is not easy; you into the mountains for long periods of she takes on. Still, she has found ways to have to give your life to the cause,‖ She time and only made brief visits to the carry out her organizing work and contin- told her audience. ―I do it for my chil- family. ues to act as emotional support for dren.‖ women who have been victims of sexual Now her brother Ramiro Choc is in jail violence during past evictions. GHRC thanks all the volunteers and hosts that made Maria’s tour possible!

Voiceless Speak Grant Recipient Advocates for Justice Continued from Page 10 and offers analysis on current events. He mitted during the armed conflict. He was forgive, but he points out that none of the spoke on both radio and television when one of the complainants in the genocide people responsible for the atrocities has legendary singer Facundo Cabral was case against Ríos Montt in Spain. When ever asked for his forgiveness, not in any killed, and in the days before the elections, asked if he will get involved with the case real way. he helped inform Radio KPFK listeners against the former dictator in Guatemala, about then candidate, now President Otto he says he’s not sure since the case is cen- He explains: ―There can be no forgiveness, Pérez Molina’s dark past. In addition, he tered around the massacres in the Ixil Tri- no reconciliation without justice. Such coordinates visits and events for visiting angle. But he is ready to do so if called cruelty cannot go unpunished.‖

Guatemalan groups working on issues of upon. *** human rights. For Marvyn, it is crucial that his and oth- Read Marvyn’s analysis of recent events in Guatemala on our blog at: Marvyn also remains involved in the strug- ers’ memories are preserved. Over the www.ghrcusa.wordpress.com gle against impunity for the crimes com- years people have told him that he has to

Page 11 Issue #11/ February 2012 GHRC Supports Polochic Communities Before the IACHR

On October 26, GHRC’s Rob Mercatante still stalling on the delivery of food or medical brigade which had arrived to and Guatemalan partners, faced off other aid. The government used the work- assess the health of the children of the against representatives of the Guatemalan ing meeting as an opportunity to present community, threatening to kill them if Government in a working meeting of the the findings of their census, and as many they returned. Inter-American Commission on Human had feared, they used their flawed infor- Rights (IACHR) to follow up on the mation as a further excuse not to offer It wasn’t until a month later, in Novem- status of emergency food, housing and assistance. A government representative ber 2011 –after intense international pres- sure and action by GHRC supporters – that the government finally relented and agreed to provide food aid. However, when they announced the quantities of food, the communities seriously considered rejecting the delivery as an in- sulting joke. It was barely enough to feed a family for a few days. In the end they accepted it out of dire need.

Recently the Guate- malan Government filed a petition with GHRC staff and interns with representatives of the communities of the Polochic Valley in front of the White House the IACHR requesting the lifting of the pre- security for the 14 communities evicted later confided that they hadn’t made any cautionary measures, arguing that the in the Polochic Valley in March of 2011. effort to investigate rates of malnutrition, communities were not longer in need of despite the fact that three children present support. The government has repeatedly Two community representatives from the during the census were visibly suffering claimed that most community members Polochic Valley, Carolina Rax Tiul and from prolonged hunger. had housing and access to medical care. Jorge Choc Ac, spoke eloquently about However, GHRC received reports that the immense vulnerability of the evicted As Rob and the others filed out of the interviews were conducted by biased in- families. They were accompanied by At- meeting to debrief, messages began arriv- dividuals. In fact, many community torneys Sergio Belteton, of the Peasant ing from the Polochic. Carolina’s com- members have reported being turned Unity Committee, and Martha Garcia. munity of Paraná had just been attacked away from the public health centers be- again, and their make-shift houses burnt cause of their resistance to the evictions. The Inter-American Commission, an or- to the ground. As Carolina and Jorge des- gan of the Organization of American perately called their families to get more With the new administration of President States (OAS), can receive petitions for information and see if anyone had been Pérez Molina, the members of the ―precautionary measures‖ from individu- hurt, the group filed back into the build- Polochic communities fear that even the als, communities and organizations which ing of the OAS to track down the govern- small advances that have been made in aim to ―prevent irreparable harm‖ in ur- ment representatives, as well as represen- their case will be lost. A petition in sup- gent situations. In the case of the tatives of the IACHR to tell them what port of the communities has gathered Polochic, the petition asked the Guatema- had happened and see what could be 2460 signatures from the international lan government to guarantee life and done. community, which will be delivered to physical integrity of the community the new director of the Presidential Hu- members and provide humanitarian assis- The government representative promised, man Rights Office as soon as he or she is tance. in front of the IACHR, that the displaced appointed. community members would be provided, Though the precautionary measures were that night, with shelter and food. Unfortu- Meanwhile, there has been no justice for granted in June 2011, at the time of the nately, that support never given. Instead, the three community members who were meeting in October, the government was the local police chased off members of a killed during, and after, the evictions.

Page 12 The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA Commemoration of the Dos Erres Massacre

This past December, GHRC was proud to The children were the first to die. Their accompany FAMDEGUA (Families of skulls were crushed by sledgehammers or the Detained and Disappeared in Guate- smashed against trees, and their lifeless mala) and to stand in solidarity with the bodies were tossed into the village well. families of the victims as they commemo- The young girls and women were raped, rated the 29th anniversary of the Dos Er- and the pregnant women were beaten res massacre. until their babies were aborted. One by one, men, women and the elderly were Nearly three decades have passed since viciously attacked: some beaten with Guatemalan army elite forces killed more sledgehammers, others shot. Their bodies, than 250 community members of the too, were dumped into the depths of the small farming village of Dos Erres in well. Guatemala’s northern Peten district. But the tears in the eyes of the surviving fam- Later, as the soldiers shoveled dirt into ily members served as proof that the grief the well, they could hear the cries of an- and loss were as real today as on that guish of those who hadn’t yet died from tragic day in 1982. their injuries.

For the younger generation it was their first opportunity to visit the large white cross that marks the spot where the well once stood. For others, who had managed to escape the massacre, it was their first time returning to the place where their fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and children had been brutally murdered.

Fragment from “Thoughts on the Real History of Dos Erres”

The massacre erased Dos Erres from the By Pedro Antonio Montepeque Galicia, face of the earth. In order to visit the me- a survivor morial site where the village once stood, special permission has to be obtained The families were working the land from the ―finquero‖ (plantation owner) Unaware that the end of their days who now holds title to the property. Was slowly approaching.

Said one surviving family member: ―It In December of 1982 breaks my heart that I have to ask permis- The families thought only of planting sion to visit the land that was once my They had no idea that this year home - the land where the blood of my There would be no harvest. family was spilled.‖ At the year’s end Darkness arrived at this place It was a Tuesday

The earth that yielded our daily bread On that day was fertilized With the blood of innocent people Our loved ones

They broke our dreams Of community and development Fear is what they left us There would be no more harvests.

Page 13 The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA Human Rights Update

September 26: Guatemala Requests supposed guerilla members for crimes complaint, brought by the Mutual Sup- Temporary Protected Status from the against humanity and terrorism. Among port Group against three Guatemalans US The request is based on the natural the accused are Enrique Paz y Paz and including Pedro Palma Lau, who until the disasters in 2010 and 2011. Laura Paz y Paz—father and aunt to At- 14th of January was a member of Con- torney General Claudia Paz y Paz. gress with the President’s Patriot Party, September 28: Congress Approves Law stems from a massacre committed in Against Femicide The Guatemalan Con- December 6: National Police Archives 1988 in the community of El Aguacate, gress approved resolution 4-2011, which to be made available on-line. Millions San Andrés Itzapa. will urge State institutions to act with the of documents from the Guatemalan na- greatest speed and due diligence in cases tional police archives will be made pub- January 19: Prosecutor’s Office Re- of femicide. licly available online. The documents quests that Charges be Dropped contain valuable information on torture, Against the President in Bámaca Case October 31: Oscar Mejia Victores De- forced disappearances and violence dur- The request is based on one expert’s testi- clared Too Sick to Stand Trial The for- ing Guatemala’s armed conflict. mony claiming that Pérez Molina was not mer dictator, who ruled Guatemala from in the chain of command responsible for 1983-86 was deemed incapable of stand- December 14: Guatemalan and Ameri- the torture and assassination of Efraín ing trial for genocide and war crimes due can Human Rights Defenders named in Bámaca. The testimony is contradicted by to a stroke. His case has been suspended case of Assassinations. Theodore Mi- various documents declassified by the US and will resume if and when his health chael Plocharski accused 52 people of and Guatemalan governments. improves. involvement in kidnapping, torture and assassination of eight diplomats between January 24: Pérez Molina Announces November 7: Otto Pérez Molina Elected 1960-1988. The list includes Guatemalan Special Police Force to Combat Femi- President The retired general and foun- and US human rights activists, journal- cide The aim of the force is to reduce the der of the Patriot Party won the second ists, family members of Attorney General number of by 25% within he round of presidential elections with 54% Paz y Paz and former first lady Sandra span of one year. of the popular vote Torres. January 26: Former General Efraín November 9: Pérez Molina Announces December 15: Five Charged for Massa- Ríos Montt, Charged with Genocide Use of Kaibiles in the War on Drugs cre in Plan de Sanchez The charges, and War Crimes, held under house ar- The President-elect announced plans to brought against an army officer and four rest. use Guatemala’s elite Special Forces unit, former members of the Civil Patrol, stem the Kaibiles, in the fight against narco- from the massacre of 256 civilians in January 26: Guatemalan Congress Rati- trafficking. 1982 in Rabinal, Baja Verapaz. fies Rome Statute After decades of pres- sure from human rights groups, Guate- November 16: President Colom Con- December 31: US Consolidated Appro- mala has signed the treaty, which allows firms Extradition of Alfonso Portillo priations Act Signed The Act leaves in for victim participation in proceedings at President Alvaro Colom confirmed the place the partial ban on US aid to the the International Criminal Court. extradition of former president Alfonso Guatemalan army, recommends funding Portillo to the United States on charges of for police reform in Guatemala and February 3 Arrest Warrants Issued for money laundering during his time in of- CICIG and directs the Secretary to State 21 Ex-Kaibiles for Massacre in Dos fice. to produce a report on how the US is sup- Erres Meanwhile, the alleged leader of porting female victims of violence in the troop accused of killing 201 people in November 16: US Chief of Southern Guatemala. 1982, remains in jail in Canada awaiting Command Visits Guatemala South- a decision regarding his extradition. COM Chief General Douglas M. Fraser, January 10: US HHS Offers Aid over visited and met with President-elect Pérez Guatemalan STD lawsuit. The Depart- February 10 Seven sentenced for kid- Molina. The two discussed plans to im- ment of Health and Human Services an- napping and murder of Lisandro prove intelligence services, special nounced $1.8 million in aid to health ini- Guarcax Seven members of the gang Los forces, paratroopers, kaibiles, the Na- tiatives in Guatemala. Meanwhile, the US Pujujiles were sentenced to between 100 tional Civil Police and bolster radar capa- has claimed the government officials can- and 376 years in prison each for kidnap- bilities in the fight against narco- not be held legally responsible for dam- ping 34 people and killing 6 of those trafficking. ages caused by the deliberate infection of whose families couldn't pay the price they Guatemalans in the 1940s with gonorrhea demanded. Mayan artist and teacher Li- November 30: Military Widows De- and syphilis. sandro Guarcax was among the victims. mand Investigation of Guerrilla Mem- bers The Association of Military Widows January 13: Three Alleged Ex- demanded the investigation into over 30 Guerrillas Accused of Massacre The

Page 14 Issue #11/ February 2012

EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Host a Speaker with GHRC this April

Do you live in Washington, Oregon or California? Are you looking for ways to support human rights in Guatemala?

Host Iduvina Hernandez, Guatemalan journalist and hu- man rights activist to speak at your school, place of wor- ship, or other venue, starting April 23. Iduvina will discuss Militarization and Threats to Justice in Guatemala.

Email [email protected] for more information.

GHRC is Celebrating its 30th Anniversary! 2012 marks 30 years since Sister Alice Zachmann registered the Guatemala Human Rights Commission as a non-profit, and we’re celebrating all year. Watch for tidbits about GHRC’s history on Facebook and stay tuned for information about how you can get involved in cele- brating this milestone. Mark your calendars for a special event in Washington, DC on Septem- ber 27th.

Connect with GHRC

Here at GHRC, we’re always looking for new ways to educate and mobilize. There are all sorts of ways to connect with us online: Like us on Facebook; follow us on Twitter; and check out our new blog at www.ghrcusa.wordpress.com. Sign up on our listserv to receive regular news and updates. Finally we’re excited to announce the imminent launch of our new website at www.ghrc-usa.org. Prefer not to use the internet? Don’t worry. GHRC will still be sending out El Quetzal and other updates by mail.

Apply For GHRC’s Voiceless Speak Fund

Since 1987, the Voiceless Speak Fund has empowered Guatemalans with personal knowledge of human rights violations in Guatemala to share their experiences and raise awareness among people in the United States. The Fund provides direct assistance to Guatemalans in the US who are in financial need and are engaged in Guatemala human rights work, or have demon- strated an ability and desire to do such work. For more information, visit our website. Applica- tions are due June 30, 2012.

Page 15 Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA NONPROFIT ORG ______US POSTAGE PAID 3321 12th Street NE WASHINGTON, DC Permit NO. 469 Washington, DC 20017 Tel: (202) 529-6599 Return Service Requested www.ghrc-usa.org

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