New Guatemala leader calls for 'justice' against war-era officers
New Guatemala leader calls for 'justice' against war-era officers
By AFP 3 hours ago in Politics .
Guatemala's new president, Jimmy Morales, said Friday he wants "justice, not revenge" meted out to ex-army personnel accused of atrocities during his country's 1960-1996 civil war.
Following an armed forces ceremony recognizing him as commander-in-chief just one day after he was sworn in, Morales added that he did not want to see action that would "prejudice" the country's values. "What I want, as do all Guatemalans, is that justice be done -- but justice, not revenge," he said, answering questions by reporters.
Eighteen retired soldiers were detained last week on accusations of participation in massacres of indigenous people and in the disappearance of a boy during the civil war.
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A lawmaker who helped found Morales' party, former officer Edgar Ovalle, is also implicated in the atrocities. Prosecutors have asked that his parliamentary immunity be lifted so he can face charges.
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