A few highlights from the Rios Montt Genocide Trial (Graphic heavy)

[Catherina]

1. After the trial was dramatically halted

Some tweets in this particular post were posted a few days ago, in a different thread, so may seem familiar)

-- Numerous buses carrying pro-Rios Montt protestors head for Guatemala City

-- Banner on pro-Montt bus (1 of 50?): “Hairy Hippies & Foreigners, stop making $ off the lie of genocide.”



The sign says (loosely): “Don’t shame the Ixiles with this genocide stuff, because it’s a lie.”



-- Costs a lot in Guate to pull that kind of thing together. Reporter closer to arrival site says many buses full of exPACs arriving Zona 4 now

-- Reporter on-site at pro-Montt protest says Ricardo Méndez-Ruiz, head of Fundación Contra El Terrorismo, is organizing; sent pic.

-- Fundación Contra El Terrorismo earlier published 20-p insert in paper on “Marxist/Catholic conspiracy” behind trial.

-- Mendez, anti-terrorism fndtn chief, has op-ed in @el_Periodico today: “Mickey Mouse Pressure” attacking trial. http://www.elperiodico.com.gt/es/20130423/opinion/227288/

In op-ed, Mendez personally condemns Rigoberta Menchu, Paz y Paz, and US Ambassador to Guatemala as linked to “Marxist-Leninist ideology.”

“Remember, a genocide conviction won’t just be against Montt and Sanchez, it will be against you and me, and the entire state of Guatemala.”

“It will affect you financially—you have to pay victims compensation, which will mostly line pockets of middlemen.”

Fundación Contra El Terrorismo organized march. “Don’t complain if your laziness allows commies to decide for you. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=453667594712698&id=369242799821845

-- Update on Guatemala genocide trial: legal challenges, debates; attacks on "hairy hippies, foreigners, communists.” http://boingboing.net/2013/04/23/guatemala-genocide-trial-lega.html

-- Guatemala's Foundation Against Terrorism mobilized 30 buses from Nebaj to counter-protest survivors who demand #GenocideGT trial continue

-- 1 reporter who spoke to Ixil bussed in today from Nebaj told me all were confused why they were there. None were there w/pro-Mont intent.

-- Various Ixil reporter spoke to said they were promised fertilizer; others told they got free trip to see capital for first time in lives.

-- One Ixil woman told reporter she was told there was about to be a war, and she came to protest the war. Variety of confusing stories.


-- US Ambassador at Large for War Crimes @StateDept_GCJ arrives Guatemala 24 April for 2 days meetings/consultations re: Montt genocide trial.

-- Arrival of @StateDept_GCJ appears intended to send message of support for genocide trial continuation+concern over threat to end process.

-- @AP both these articles on Guatemala trial contain inaccuracies, need correction. http://bigstory.ap.org/article/guatemala-high-court-annuls-trial-ex-dictator … http://www.chron.com/news/world/article/Guatemalan-judge-orders-Rios-Montt-trial-suspended-4446509.php …

-- One family of 8 disappeared without a trace from Amatitlan; grabbed from their home by 20 men wearing vests of National Police & law agency.

-- Another massive demonstration in Guatemala City today—not about genocide trial. Reports of some 10K University students, re: tuition.