In Guatemala: “This trial sends a strong message that no one is above the law”.

In Guatemala, where the people - especially indigenous people - have suffered terribly over years from war and atrocities, an extraordinary event is happening. After decades of struggle by indigenous people and human rights activists to bring justice, a former dictator is being tried on charges of genocide. This is happening in a country where speaking out had meant that people put their lives at risk. The country’s leading prosecutor, a woman named Claudia Paz y Paz, one of a team of human rights lawyers, said in an NPR news report: In Guatemala, where the people - especially indigenous people - have suffered terribly over years from war and atrocities, an extraordinary event is happening. After decades of struggle by indigenous people and human rights activists to bring justice, a former dictator is being tried on charges of genocide. This is happening in a country where speaking out had meant that people put their lives at risk. The country’s leading prosecutor, a woman named Claudia Paz y Paz, one of a team of human rights lawyers, said in an NPR news report: “This trial sends a strong message that no one is above the law”.

I honor the losses and suffering of indigenous people in Guatemala, and the extraordinary courage of all who have sought justice. Blessing to them. May the truth be told, heard, and responded to deeply and justly. May their struggles and their work, may their pain in their hearts and its expression, lay the foundation for justice, peace, and respect for the rights of all in Guatemala - and as an example for other countries. May each person who has been so dearly affected, find some healing through this - and in part by knowing that the lives lost and altered matter, not only to them, but to the world that is standing with them.

http://www.npr.org/2013/03/18/174645182/three-decades-on-ex-guatemalan-leader-faces-genocide-charges
Three Decades On, Ex-Guatemalan Leader Faces Genocide Charges : NPR
www.npr.org
Former military ruler Efrain Rios Montt, now 86, presided over one of the bloodiest periods in Guatemala's 36-year civil war. During his rule, thousands of Guatemala's Indians were killed..

I honor the losses and suffering of indigenous people in Guatemala, and the extraordinary courage of all who have sought justice. Blessing to them. May the truth be told, heard, and responded to deeply and justly. May their struggles and their work, may their pain in their hearts and its expression, lay the foundation for justice, peace, and respect for the rights of all in Guatemala - and as an example for other countries. May each person who has been so dearly affected, find some healing through this - and in part by knowing that the lives lost and altered matter, not only to them, but to the world that is standing with them.

http://www.npr.org/2013/03/18/174645182/three-decades-on-ex-guatemalan-leader-faces-genocide-charges
Three Decades On, Ex-Guatemalan Leader Faces Genocide Charges : NPR
www.npr.org
Former military ruler Efrain Rios Montt, now 86, presided over one of the bloodiest periods in Guatemala's 36-year civil war. During his rule, thousands of Guatemala's Indians were killed.