Guatemala to try former dictator over ‘genocide’

Former Guatemalan dictator Efrain Rios Montt is to face trial on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

A judge found sufficient evidence to pursue the case against Rios Montt, who ruled during a particularly bloody period in 1982 and 1983 when more than 1,700 indigenous people were killed in one counter-insurgency effort.

“I believe there is enough evidence,” said Judge Carol Flores, who agreed with prosecutors that Rios Montt, as head of the government, should answer for alleged brutality under his rule.

Prosecutors claim Rios Montt, who was commander-in-chief for 17 months, turned a blind eye as soldiers used rape, torture and arson to rid Guatemala of leftist insurgents.

Lawyers also claim Rios he conceived a counter-insurgency plan that killed at least 1,771 unarmed members of the Ixil tribe for aiding guerrillas and drove another 29,000 into exile.

Defence lawyers claim that the 85-year-old did not control battlefield operations during the 1960-1996 upheaval that left nearly a quarter of a million dead or missing and therefore cannot be held responsible.