Ex-dictator of Guatemala found guilty in Maya genocide trial

Monday, May 13, 2013  

Efrain Rios Montt, a former president and dictator of Guatemala, was found guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity for ordering the massacres of Mayans in the 1980s.

Rios Montt was tried for the killings of 1,771 people at two Mayan villages in 1982 and 1983. The victims were mainly women, elders and children, according to evidence presented in court.

“We are completely convinced of the intent to destroy the Ixil ethnic group,” one of the judges said on Friday, The New York Times reported.

Rios Montt was sentenced to serve 80 years in prison. His attorney is seeking to have him transferred to a hospital or to house arrest, the Associated Press reported.

More than 200,000 people, mostly Mayans, were killed or went missing during Guatemala's civil war.

Get the Story:
Rios Montt: From general to dictator to preacher _ to courtroom charged with genocide (AP 5/10)
Putting ex-dictator behind bars pleases many in Guatemala, but fears remain he could go free (AP 5/10)
Former Leader of Guatemala Is Guilty of Genocide Against Mayan Group (The New York Times 5/11)

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