Rights groups fear militarization in Guatemala
Source: Associated Press
August 31, 2012 8:51 PM
Rights groups fear militarization in Guatemala
GUATEMALA CITY Human Rights activists in Guatemala say a joint anti-drug operation between U.S. Marines and the nation's army threatens to revive memories of rights abuses during Guatemala's 1960-1996 civil war.
A team of 200 U.S. Marines began patrolling Guatemala's western coast this week as part of a joint agreement to catch drug shipments.
Rights advocate Helen Mack said Friday that rural communities in Guatemala are fearful of the military being used to combat drug traffickers because troops use the same techniques as they did in fighting rebels during the war. Mack is executive director of the Myrna Mack Foundation.
Kelsey Alford-Jones of the Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA notes that Guatemalan armed forces were backed by the U.S. during the civil war, and committed over 93 percent of the acts of violence.
Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501715_162-57504744/rights-groups-fear-militarization-in-guatemala/
(Short article, no more at link.)
sulphurdunn
(6,891 posts)or any Latin American country is a very bad idea. Using them like DEA cops is even worse.
Nambe
(8,522 posts)For the Mayan people; logging, mining, drilling, etc, etc... constitute the rape and torture of the Creator. The "Latin" and European cultures have been slaughtering and demonizing these beautiful people for over 500 years simply because they respect this once beautiful planet.
The DEA and industrialized governments in Central America turn a blind eye on the main transportation routes of the bulk cocaine carrier. It is obvious to the casual residents of Puerto Vallarta. Take a luxury cruse ship down there, it is practically free.
If you disagree with me, you have not researched this current and ongoing culture war. Jesus can't save us, the earth can.