A top Guatemalan court sentenced three former paramilitaries to 40 years in prison for the rape of six Indigenous women during the civil war, a significant decision acknowledging the long-standing demands for justice. The conviction is pivotal for the Maya Achi survivors, who faced extreme violence. Judge Maria Eugenia Castellanos emphasized the victims' bravery in testifying. Indigenous lawyer Haydee Valey noted the ruling as historic, recognizing the plight of survivors. Celebrations erupted in the courtroom as the victims marked this critical step in the fight against impunity for crimes committed during the war.
The conviction and sentencing on Friday mark another significant step towards attaining justice for the Maya Achi Indigenous women, who were sexually abused by pro-government armed groups.
Judge Maria Eugenia Castellanos praised the women's bravery in coming to court to testify on repeated occasions, stating that they were victims of crimes against humanity.
Indigenous lawyer Haydee Valey said the sentence was historic because it finally recognised the struggle of civil war survivors who had demanded justice for decades.
Several Maya Achi women in the courtroom applauded at the end of the trial, some dressed in traditional attire, celebrating a long-awaited victory.
Collection
[
|
...
]