Guatemala: Sole Conviction in Human Rights Case Overturned

A Guatemalan appeals court has freed six National Police officers jailed for the 1987 kidnapping and murder of two university students. The appellate court ruling, which overturned the only conviction to date of security force officers for a crime of political violence, underlines the complete impunity with which the Guatemalan authorities commit gross violations of human rights. Americas Watch fears that extra-legal considerations may have influenced the outcome in this politically charged case. The acquittal coincides with a markedly worsening human rights situation just three months before presidential elections.