September 2001 Call to Action News

New perils in Guatemala

The June 8 convictions of three military officers for the 1998 murder of Bishop Juan Gerardi was a victory for human rights. Never before had a civilian court convicted military officials for a political crime. Gerardi was principal author of Guatemala, Never Again, a landmark archdiocesan publication which proved the government responsible for nine out of every 10 deaths in the 36-year civil war that ended in 1996. In proportion to its population, more people were killed and tortured for their beliefs in Guatemala in the 1970s and 1980s than in any other country. But intimidation and violence against judges, lawyers and rights activists is increasing dramatically. In May Charity Sr. Barbara Ann Ford, who helped prepare Never Again, was slain. Death threats have forced the chief prosecutor of Gerardi's killers to flee the country. Yet the Bush administration wants to renew aid to the right-wing government and its unreformed military. Bush has nominated hardliners from the Iran-Contra era to guide U.S. foreign policy - like John Negroponte, former ambassador to Honduras, to be ambassador to the U.N.

To get involved, contact the NISGUA, the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala: 202 518- 7638 or www.nisgua.org