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July 29, 2011

Trial Over 1982 U.S.-Backed Massacre Begins in Guatemala 
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In Guatemala, four soldiers have gone on trial for the 1982 massacre of
an estimated 250 villagers by a U.S.-backed death squad. The case marks
the first time members of Guatemela's armed forces have gone on trial
for the La Dos Erres massacre. The victims included women and children
who were strangled, beaten with sledgehammers, and thrown down a well.
In testimony this week, massacre survivors have described their ordeal,
including watching the brutal killings of their loved ones. Human rights
activist Mario Polanco called for the trial of a former death squad
member recently extradited from the United States.

Mario Polanco: "Several soldiers have been arrested. Some are soldiers
and others army officers. One was even arrested in the United States and
was extradited to Guatemala. We trust there will be a trial also for
this case because there have been a few cases for justice to be had in
this country."



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