Region / country
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49 results found
Guatemala
| 1 May 2013
Competing judicial decisions in trial of former dictator Ríos Montt on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity generated uncertainty over whether court would be allowed to reach a verdict; Constitutional Court to decide whether trial can continue. Group of prominent conservatives 16 April published letter in full-page newspaper ad calling charges against Ríos Montt “fabrication”, said trial is betrayal of 1996 peace accords that could lead to new outbreak of political violence. President Pérez Molina next day said he “not only supported but subscribed” to letter.
Guatemala
| 1 Apr 2013
Trial began 19 March of ex-military dictator Efrain Rios Montt on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity, after Court 14 March upheld Supreme Court ruling rejecting amnesty. Govt report 2 March showed violent deaths Jan-Feb higher than same period 2012. Tensions in eastern dept Jalapa following 17 March kidnapping of 4 Xinca indigenous leaders as they returned from meeting opposing mining in area; one found killed next day, others released.
Guatemala
| 1 Mar 2013
Court 14 Feb rejected charges of extrajudicial killing filed against Colonel Juan Chiroy and 8 soldiers under his command for deaths of 6 indigenous demonstrators in Totonicapán city in Oct; Judge Patricia Flores ordered colonel to stand trial for dereliction of duty and 8 soldiers for “homicide in a state of violent emotion”. Public Ministry announced it would challenge ruling; Totonicapán indigenous leaders said may join complaints against decision and file civil complaints. Police 15 Feb arrested ex-army captain Byron Lima, convicted in 1998 assassination of Bishop Juan José Gerardi, as he returned from excursion outside penitentiary. Minister López Bonilla fired prison director who authorised excursion, told media there was “chaos” within prison system.
Guatemala
| 1 Feb 2013
Court 28 Jan ordered ex-military leader Efrain Rios Montt to stand trial for genocide and crimes against humanity committed during civil war, following 14 Jan lifting of immunity. President Pérez Molina 13 Jan hailed decline of violence in speech celebrating first year in office, cited falling urban crime rates as evidence that govt is fulfilling promises to improve security; murders fell for 3rd consecutive year in 2012, from 39 to 34 per 100,000 inhabitants. Gunmen same day killed mayor of Jutiapa town, Jutiapa dept. Armed men 11 Jan tried to block access to Escobal silver mine in south-eastern Santa Rosa dept; 2 security guards, 1 attacker killed. Pérez Molina denounced incident as “terrorist attack”; Interior Minister López Bonilla said attackers possibly linked to drug traffickers. Authorities also linked 23 Dec killing of prosecutor, local businessman and 5 other people in western Huehuetenango dept to drug traffickers. UN 15 Jan agreed to extend mandate of International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) until 2015.
Guatemala
| 30 Dec 2012
Attorney General Claudia Paz y Paz 13 Dec published report highlighting successful prosecution of criminal organisations since taking office, including drug-trafficking networks and domestic gangs dedicated to extortion and kidnapping, said convictions overall are up, impunity rate reduced from 95% to 70%, claimed police dealt major blow to Zetas network by capturing chiefs in 5 depts. Following brutal killing of Federal Prosecutor Irma Yolanda Olivares and 6 others near Mexican border 23 Dec, Paz y Paz said cartels and other criminal outfits have infiltrated justice system.
Guatemala
| 1 Dec 2012
Earthquake struck off Pacific coast 7 Nov killing 44 people, injuring hundreds more; President Pérez Molina declared 8 departments in south west “disaster zones”. Angry crowd in eastern Jalapa dept 20 Nov abducted 4 mining company contractors and 5 soldiers, burned 6 vehicles, set fire to hotel.
Guatemala
| 1 Nov 2012
Army colonel and 8 soldiers arrested for 4 Oct killing of 6 indigenous Mayan villagers protesting high electricity prices in Totonicapán dept. President Pérez first denied military involvement, blamed shooting on unidentified assailants, then apologised after investigators found shell casings from military ammunition. Pérez 16 Oct said army would no longer intervene during protests but reaffirmed policy of using military to back up police in high crime areas and to combat organised crime, especially along border. Interior Minister López 24 Oct announced police will be equipped with electronic chips to track movements.
Guatemala
| 1 Oct 2012
President Pérez Molina 3 Sept announced plans to open 3 more military bases along borders to stop flow of illegal drugs to Mexico, U.S.. Authorities 5 Sept dismantled “mega” synthetic drug lab in Huehuetenango dept. Speaking at UNGA 27 Sept Pérez acknowledged “serious shortcomings” in basic premise of country’s war against drugs.
Guatemala
| 1 Sep 2012
Interior Minister Mauricio López Bonilla 15 Aug said country now becoming drug producer; 171 U.S. Marines late Aug joined 2,000 Guatemalan security forces within U.S.-led anti-drug-trafficking “Operation Hammer”. Several hundred soldiers, police sent to Puerto Quetzal 9 Aug after workers seized port facilities; forces 13 Aug withdrew after workers agreed to suspend strike, govt put plans to lease facilities to a Spanish company on hold.
Guatemala
| 1 Aug 2012
Govt 30 June inaugurated 2 new military bases in Petén dept, San Juan Sacatepéquez, said will establish 9 more in effort to “increase state capacity to combat drug trafficking and organised crime”. Congress 19 July passed law creating separate investigative police force which will operate outside of National Civil Police; opposition parties said law passed without adequate consideration of costs, constitutionality. Police reported 15% decrease in homicides during first half of 2012 compared with 2011 but said several departments along border with Honduras, El Salvador experienced increase.
Guatemala
| 1 Jul 2012
Court 13 June authorised extradition to U.S. of suspected drug trafficker Horst Overdick. Suspected Mexican Sinaloa cartel member Walter Montejo arrested 10 June. 2 suspected participants in 2010-2011 Zetas drug cartel massacres arrested 10 June; court 27 June sentenced 36 alleged Zetas suspects for various crimes including dismemberment of state prosecutor.
Guatemala
| 1 Jun 2012
President Pérez Molina 2 May declared state of siege, deployed 500 security personnel to Santa Cruz Barillas following protest, seizure of army post by indigenous residents after killing of community leader opposed to construction of hydroelectric dam; state of siege lifted 18 May, 240 security personnel to remain; Pérez said Zetas drug cartel possibly involved. Defence Ministry 9 May announced deployment of 500 soldiers, including 300 special forces, to combat drug trafficking in Petén.
Guatemala
| 1 May 2012
President Pérez Molina 14-15 April attended 6th Summit of the Americas, insisted on need to consider “innovative strategies” such as legalisation as alternative to war on drugs. Defence Ministry late March announced creation of U.S.-backed anti-drug task force to police trafficking corridors in W. Former national police chief Marlene Blanco Lapola arrested 23 March for alleged involvement in extra-judicial killing of at least 3 alleged extortionists. Forensic experts 18 April said remains of 99 people buried inside military post in Cobán during civil war unearthed.
Guatemala
| 1 Apr 2012
5 former paramilitaries members sentenced 20 March to 7,710 years for 1982 Maya massacre in Baja Verapaz; ex-soldier sentenced 12 March to over 6,000 years for role in 1982 killing of 201 Maya in Dos Erres, Petén. President Pérez called drug war failure, promised to take decriminalisation debate to Summit of Americas in April. Hand-written banners found in Flores, Petén, 21 March threatened attacks on civilians following authorities’ announcement alleged member of Zetas drug cartel captured; Interior Minister Bonilla 9 March said Zetas now strongest criminal organisation in country.
Guatemala
| 1 Mar 2012
President Pérez Molina 13 Feb said he would urge Central American leaders to debate legalising drugs at upcoming regional summit; presidents of El Salvador, Honduras remain opposed to proposal. Pérez secured legislative victory with adoption of fiscal reform bill designed to increase revenues, combat evasion. Court 29 Feb approved extradition to U.S. of alleged top narco-trafficker Juan Ortiz Lopez.
Guatemala
| 1 Feb 2012
Guatemalan judge 26 Jan ruled ex-military leader Efraín Ríos Montt to stand trial for genocide, crimes against humanity following 14 Jan expiration of his Congressional term granting immunity; prosecutors argued Gen. Montt had full knowledge, command of army operations resulting in the killing of over 1,700 Mayan villagers suspected of harbouring leftist guerrillas 1982-83.
Guatemala
| 2 Jan 2012
Outgoing President Colom 15 Dec apologised to relatives of victims of 1982 massacre in Dos Erres. Guatemala, Colombia, Honduras air forces conducted exercise aimed at controlling drug trafficking.
Guatemala
| 1 Dec 2011
Electoral tribunal declared retired general Otto Pérez Molina winner of 6 Nov presidential run-off with 53.74% of votes, ahead of businessman Manuel Baldizón with 46.6%. Outgoing president Álvaro Colom 15 Nov approved extradition of former president Alfonso Portillo to U.S. on money laundering charges.
Guatemala
| 1 Nov 2011
Former military ruler Oscar Mejia Victores and former military intelligence chief Jose Mauricio Rodriguez Sanchez arrested mid-month on charges of genocide, war crimes; later declared unfit to stand trial for health reasons. Ahead of 6 Nov presidential election run-off, polls indicate retired general Otto Perez Molina ahead of opponent, businessman Manuel Baldizón.
Guatemala
| 1 Oct 2011
Amid deteriorating security and continued violence, retired general Otto Perez Molina won 36% of votes in 11 Sept presidential elections; will face businessman Manuel Baldizon, who won 23%, in 6 Nov run-off. Observers rated elections as fair, despite concern over delay in releasing preliminary results, reports of irregularities in some regions. Outbreaks of violence in 70 municipalities by residents unhappy over mayoral election results, leaving 2 dead in Jalapa.
Guatemala
| 1 Sep 2011
Former first lady Sandra Torres 8 Aug lost final appeal to Constitutional Court against ban on her presidential candidacy; Torres said accepted decision, but urged supporters to vote blank in Oct presidential elections. Violence continued ahead of polls: several campaign workers killed including Jutiapa department coordinator of National Centre Union (UCN) party 6 Aug. Court 2 Aug sentenced 4 ex-soldiers to 6,060 years in prison for involvement in 1982 massacre of 250 civilians. President Colom 13 Aug extended state of siege in Petén department by 1 month. Constitutional Court 26 Aug authorized extradition of former President Portillo to U.S..
Guatemala
| 1 Aug 2011
Supreme Court (SC) 12 July rejected appeal by former first lady Sandra Torres against Supreme Electoral Court (SEC) ruling disqualifying her candidacy for Oct presidential elections. SC 30 July rejected second appeal by ruling UNE party; party said will appeal to Constitutional Court.
Guatemala
| 1 Jul 2011
In landmark arrest, police 17 June detained ex-army chief Gen. Hector López on charges including genocide related to mass killings of govt opponents during 1980s; López highest-ranking official to be detained for civil war abuses. Police 9 June arrested ex-police chief suspected of involvement in forced disappearance of student union leader in 1984. President Colom 14 June extended state of siege in Petén department by 1 month. Unidentified gunmen mid-month killed 2 mayoral candidates close to capital; human rights ombudsman said 26 killings linked to Oct 2011 general elections so far. Supreme Electoral Court 30 June rejected candidacy of Sandra Torres due to recent divorce from incumbent President Colom; Torres said she will appeal. Rights groups raised concerns about presidential candidate Otto Pérez Molina’s 14 June proposal to involve military in fighting organised crime, citing violation of 1996 Peace Accords.
Guatemala
| 1 Jun 2011
Police 15 May found decapitated bodies of 27 farm workers in northern Petén region; President Colom 17 May imposed state of siege in Petén, putting troops in charge of security; police 18 May detained alleged leader of Mexican Zetas cartel, suspected of massacre. Authorities 24 May in Cobán (Alta Verapaz) discovered dismembered body of assistant prosecutor involved in investigation of Zetas. Court 8 May cleared ex-president Portillo of embezzlement charges; Portillo still faces extradition charge to U.S. over alleged money laundering.
Guatemala
| 1 May 2011
Court 8 Apr granted divorce to Sandra Torres from President Álvaro Colom, allowing her to stand in Sept presidential elections; opposition candidate Otto Pérez Molina criticised decision as “electoral fraud”. Police, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency 30 March captured Juan Alberto Ortiz Lopez, allegedly one of country’s leading drug traffickers.
Guatemala
| 1 Apr 2011
First lady Sandra Torres de Colom 8 March announced candidacy for Sept presidential elections; 21 March announced she will divorce husband President Álvaro Colom to clear constitutional hurdle prohibiting family of incumbent to run. In 17 March visit to Guatemala, UNSG Ban pledged increased UN support for fight against organised crime in Central America, made public his Jan decision to extend UN-backed commission against impunity (CICIG) for 2 years. Colom 2 March said joint Central American security plan against crime and drug trafficking “similar to Plan Merida” will be created at June summit in Guatemala.
Guatemala
| 1 Mar 2011
Govt human rights ombudsman Sergio Morales 14 Feb warned of potential violence in at least 18 of 22 departments ahead of Sept general elections; 21 of 25 political parties 7 Feb signed “ethics pact” to prevent violence leading up to vote. U.S. 9 Feb announced further $200mn in aid to “regional effort” combatting drug trafficking in Central America. Govt 18 Feb lifted 2-month state of siege in Alta Verapaz; claimed operation successful, at least 20 members of Mexican cartel Los Zetas arrested.
Guatemala
| 1 Feb 2011
President Colom 18 Jan extended by 1 month state of siege in Alta Verapaz to combat growing influence of Mexican Los Zetas cartel in region. Corruption trial against ex-president Portillo started 21 Jan. Police said 6,502 homicides registered in 2010, down 6% from 2009; 60% attributed to organised crime.
Guatemala
| 3 Jan 2011
Tensions continued to simmer over border dispute with Costa Rica, but both countries 17 Dec accepted Guatemalan offer to mediate; mediation to start Jan.
Guatemala
| 1 Dec 2010
Director of RENAP, body charged with issuing voter registration cards for 2011 general elections, 2 Nov announced 2.8mn cards need to be verified before election; opposition politicians expressed doubts RENAP capable, denounced threat of voter exclusion.
Guatemala
| 1 Nov 2010
5 Oct armed incursion by Mexican Zetas cartel into Petén department left 5 civilians dead following clashes between cartel members and security forces. NGO Mirador Electoral 21 Oct denounced major parties’ premature campaigning in run-up to 2011 general elections, warned that increased political polarisation could lead to ungovernability. Spanish police 13 Oct arrested former interior minister Carlos Vielmann for supposed involvement in extrajudicial executions of prisoners in 2005. Luis Arturo Archila Leerayez elected new president of Supreme Court of Justice 20 Oct. Head of UN-sanctioned commission against impunity (CICIG) 26 Oct denounced attempts to discredit institution, rejected calls for its closure.
Guatemala
| 1 Oct 2010
Constitutional Court 20 Sept authorised President Colóm to intervene in RENAP, body charged with issuing voter registration cards for 2011 general elections, following recent investigations of mismanagement. Parliament 9 Sept voted to hold referendum on sending Belize border dispute to ICJ. Corruption trial against former President Portillo began 3 Sept.
Guatemala
| 1 Sep 2010
High level official of RENAP, body charged with issuing voter registration cards for 2011 general elections, stepped down 24 Aug amid accusations of mismanagement and corruption investigation; followed several other high-profile RENAP dismissals in recent months. Former Costa Rican attorney general Francisco Dall’Anese Ruiz 1 Aug took up post of director of UN-sanctioned commission against impunity (CICIG). CICIG 6 Aug ordered capture of several former high-level officials, including former director of prisons and presidential candidate Alejandro Giammattei and 18 others for involvement in 2007 extrajudicial executions of prisoners.
Guatemala
| 1 Aug 2010
Court 16 July sentenced 8 to up to 38 years in prison for involvement in May 2009 murder of lawyer Rodrigo Rosenberg, who UN investigation found arranged his own death despite blaming President Colom in posthumously released video. At least 20 civilians killed in gang attacks on buses during month, including 2 in 12 July Guatemala City grenade attack; govt 21 July announced military to support police in protecting bus drivers.
Guatemala
| 1 Jul 2010
Carlos Castresana, head of UN-sanctioned commission against impunity (CICIG), resigned 8 June over slow govt progress on justice reform and appointment of new attorney general Conrado Reyes, who Castresana accused of ties to organised crime. Constitutional court 11 June annulled Reyes’ appointment. UN 1 July appointed Costa Rica attorney general Francisco Dall’Anese Ruiz as new CICIG head.
Guatemala
| 1 Feb 2010
UN-backed commission 12 Jan cleared President Colom of involvement in May 2009 murder of prominent lawyer Rodrigo Rosenberg; said Rosenberg had arranged his own death, unclear why.
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Guatemala
| 1 Jun 2009
Political crisis gripped country after President Colom implicated in 10 May murder of prominent lawyer Rodrigo Rosemberg. In posthumously released video, Rosemberg accused Colom, Colom’s wife and close allies of ordering his assassination as well as March killing of his client, for refusing to participate in corruption at state Rural Development Bank. Tens of thousands demonstrated throughout country during month demanding Colom’s resignation; Colom’s supporters staged counter-demonstrations. Colom rejected all accusations, asked FBI, UN to participate in investigation of killings.
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Guatemala
| 1 Dec 2007
Álvaro Colom won second round of presidential elections with 54% of vote 4 November: dedicated first 100 days to fighting insecurity in “red zones”.
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Guatemala
| 1 Nov 2007
Aide to presidential candidate Otto Perez Molina killed by gunmen in suspected political attack in Guatemala City 8 October. Rival Alvaro Colom later accused Perez Molina of threatening his life.
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Guatemala
| 1 Oct 2007
Run-off called for 4 November between hardline former general Otto Pérez Molina and centre-leftist Alvaro Colom after relatively peaceful presidential election 9 September. Molina campaigned on use of military force to fight crime. Election results expected to be very close with international observation vital.
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Guatemala
| 1 Sep 2007
Violent string of over 40 political murders ahead of 9 September presidential elections marked one of bloodiest campaign periods since end to civil war in 1996. OAS and EU observers have warned violence could sway choices at polls. Army set to deploy 8,000 to guarantee security in areas with history of violence. Congress approved 2 August international commission against impunity; organ will investigate political-paramilitary links.
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Guatemala
| 1 Apr 2004
Former dictator, Efrain Rios Montt, appeared in court 8 March on charges of manslaughter following death of journalist in July 2003 during protests in support of Montt’s unsuccessful presidential campaign. Court appearance led to clashes between supporters and opponents of Montt, who is also under investigation for genocide allegedly committed under his rule in early 80s.
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Guatemala
| 1 Mar 2004
Former President Alfonso Portillo fled country ahead of charges of corruption by month-old government of Oscar Berger after Congress lifted his immunity from prosecution.
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Guatemala
| 1 Feb 2004
Newly elected President Oscar Berger took office 14 January. Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchu agreed to join government in peace accord monitoring role. Government agreed to UN establishing independent commission to investigate resurgence of rural illegal paramilitary groups.
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Guatemala
| 1 Jan 2004
Former mayor of Guatemala City, Oscar Berger, elected president 28 December in peaceful run-off election – in contrast to violence and intimidation of November first round election. Less than half registered voters cast votes.
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Guatemala
| 1 Dec 2003
Ex-dictator Rios Montt unsuccessful in bid for presidency, coming distant third in 9 November elections. Run-off election between leading two candidates, Oscar Berger and Alvaro Colom, to be held 28 December.
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Guatemala
| 1 Nov 2003
Climate of violence and intimidation as November presidential, legislative and local elections approach. Killing of political candidate 11 October brought to 21 number of candidates killed since beginning of election season. Upsurge of violence linked to candidacy of ex-dictator Rios Montt, allowed to run by July High Court ruling. Four Guatemalan journalists and one human rights activist kidnapped by former paramilitaries; later released.
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Guatemala
| 1 Oct 2003
Former general and coup leader, Efrain Rios Montt, registered as presidential candidate for 9 November elections.
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Guatemala
| 1 Sep 2003
Former general and coup leader, Efrain Rios Montt, registered as presidential candidate for 9 November elections. Constitutional Court approved his candidacy, despite constitutional provision barring anyone who previously took power in a coup from serving as president.
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