The international human rights organisation Amnesty International has expressed concern over developments in Guatemala, where former President Effrain Ríos Montt is reportedly being considered for an amnesty by the country's Constitutional Court, after being found guilty of genocide.
Guatemalan prosecution lawyer Juan Francisco told Amnesty International,
Guatemalan prosecution lawyer Juan Francisco told Amnesty International,
“I thought that justice had taken a long time but that it had finally arrived. Ríos Montt had to face justice, listen to each victim describe what he had ordered be carried out. It was very important for the victims and for all the population to know that no one is untouchable.”Speaking on the reports, Sebastian Elgueta, Guatemala researcher at Amnesty International, commented,
"This is an alarming new development that, if confirmed, would set the country back decades. Amnesties can never be applied to genocide and crimes against humanity,”
“With such a decision, Guatemala’s authorities would destroy, with one signature, decades of progress when it comes to justice for the tens of thousands of people who died and were disappeared during the dark years of the conflict.”
“Awarding Rios Montt an amnesty would mean he could get away with genocide. This decision would also benefit others who are accused or convicted of enforced disappearances, systematic sexual violence, torture and killings. It would be a monumental disaster for the victims and their relatives and it must never happen,”
“Amnesties are a tragedy for victims as they block truth, justice and reparation; and for society as a whole, as they prevent a full examination and acknowledgement of what occurs during periods of widespread human rights abuses.”