On June 2, the Peace Brigades International-Guatemala Project posted: “PBI accompanies the Human Rights Law Firm (Bufete Jurídico de Derechos Humanos) in the continuation of the first statement hearing. The Public Ministry will present the charges to the 11 detainees in the case of the Military Journal.”

Ruda explains: “The Diario Militar keeps a record of the names, photographs, addresses, and addresses of men and women who have been arrested, detained, disappeared, and murdered. The list includes students, university professors, trade unionists, and members of social organizations that the Army identified as allies of the guerrillas.”

The eleven retired soldiers and police officers are on trial for their alleged participation in the kidnapping, forced disappearance, and extrajudicial executions of at least 183 people between 1983 and 1985.

The eleven include retired General Marco Antonio Gonzalez Taracena, former members of the Military Intelligence Directorate, the former commander of the military zone of the department (province) of Chimaltenango, and the former head of the Special Operations Brigade of the National Police. They are accused of crimes against humanity, murder, attempted murder, and enforced disappearance.

PBI-Guatemala also accompanied the law firm yesterday, June 1, the first day of the trial.

PBI-Guatemala has also posted on their Facebook page the live feed by Famdegua of the hearing. Famdegua is the Association of Family Members of the Detained and Disappeared of Guatemala.

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