AFP
Various UK news agencies carried the dismissal of the manslaughter case against Gen Efrain Rios Montt for the death of journalist Hector Ramirez. The Guatemalan reporter died after running from protesters on 'Jueves Negro' in 2003. Rios Montt denied responsibility for the actions of protesters despite many holding positions of power within Rios Montt's political party- Frente Republicano de Guatemala (FRG).
In the UK, the BBC went with 'Guatemala ex-leader case quashed'. While Reuters AlertNet went with 'Guatemala throws out charges against ex-dictator'.
According to Reuters, Walter Robles, prosecution lawyer for the Ramirez family, says that Raul Manchame Leiva, who was Guatemala's chief of police at the time of the street clashes, will have to stand trial, while the other 15 supporters were charged with minor crimes (and will only face a fine).
In the Guatemalan press, there was speculation as to whether the decision reflected some kind of political pact between President Oscar Berger and Rios Montt's political power base, the FRG. However, this was not mentioned in the UK media reports and has been rigorously denied by Berger.
In the Guatemalan press, there was speculation as to whether the decision reflected some kind of political pact between President Oscar Berger and Rios Montt's political power base, the FRG. However, this was not mentioned in the UK media reports and has been rigorously denied by Berger.
