Guatemala Ex-dictator Must Appear In Genocide Case

Published January 22, 2012 12:09AM (EST)

GUATEMALA CITY (AP) — A prosecutor says former dictator Efrain Rios Montt must appear in criminal court in a genocide case involving crimes against indigenous Guatemalans during his de-facto government.

Federal prosecutor Manuel Vasquez says the retired general must declare on Thursday before a judge, who will decide whether to go forward with genocide charges.

Vasquez confirmed Saturday that Rios Montt is a suspect.

Rios Montt ruled Guatemala from 1982 to 1983 and has been accused by survivors and family members of mounting some of the worse massacres of the 1963-1996 civil war. He had legislative immunity until his recent term as a congressman expired Jan. 14.

Rios Montt has said he operated in a war and is willing to face justice.


By Salon Staff

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