Massive genocide trial reopens old wounds in Guatemala, 40 years after indigenous slaughter

[Judi Lynn]

By Tara John and Ivonne Valdés, CNN and CNN en Español
8 minute read
Published 1:02 PM EDT, Sat April 13, 2024



Ixil indigenous authorities attend a hearing where survivors of the civil war testify in the Ixil Genocide trial at the Supreme Court, in Guatemala City, Guatemala April 8, 2024. Cristina Chiquin/Reuters
CNN
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Juan Brito López was in his mid-20s when soldiers rushed into his home in the village of Pexla, nestled in Guatemala’s western highlands. He escaped, hiding in the wilderness, but could not save his wife and four daughters.

. . .

The former laborer, who sometimes broke into tears during his testimony, spoke in front of a large screen broadcasting Lucas García’s impassive figure. Lucas García participated in the proceedings via video link from a military hospital.

The retired general has been indicted for genocide, crimes against humanity, forced disappearances, and sexual violence against the Maya Ixil people, according to the organization representing the victims, the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR).

AJR accuses him of ordering more than 30 massacres and destroying 23 villages in the Maya Ixil region, causing the death of at least 1,771 people when he led the army between 1981 and 1982 – during the tenure of his brother President Fernando Romeo Lucas García.

More:
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/13/americas/guatemala-genocide-trial-maya-ixil-indigenous-intl-latam/index.html