Press Room
Recent News Articles
Guatemala: Las Víctimas del Genocidio
by Ofelia De Pablo y Javier Zurita, El País
April 14th, 2013
by Ofelia De Pablo y Javier Zurita, El País
April 14th, 2013
Guatemala juzga por primera vez en la historia el crimen de genocidio cometido durante el conflicto armado interno que asoló el país durante 36 años. Con la excusa de luchar contra la guerrilla, más de 200.000 personas, en su mayoría de origen maya, fueron masacradas entre 1960 y 1996 fruto de un minucioso plan elaborado por el ejército. Uno de los principales artífices de las matanzas, el ex presidente, el general Efraín Ríos Montt, está siendo finalmente juzgado por estos crímenes.
U.S. Justice Dept. Releases Judge’s Ruling on Ex-Salvadoran General
by Julia Preston and Randal C. Archibold, The New York Times
April 11th, 2013
by Julia Preston and Randal C. Archibold, The New York Times
April 11th, 2013
The Justice Department has released a United States immigration judge’s ruling ordering the deportation of a former high-ranking
Salvadoran military officer over his role in the 1980 rape and murder of four American churchwomen and other crimes there.
Guatemala's First Female Attorney General Takes On Country's Biggest Criminals
by Carrie Kahn, NPR
March 29th, 2013
by Carrie Kahn, NPR
March 29th, 2013
The first female Attorney General of Guatemala is taking on some of the country's most powerful kingpins, past dictators and local crime bosses. She's lowered the Central American nation's high crime rate and brought justice for victims of the 36 year old civil war. Dr. Paz y Paz will be receiving the 2013 Judith Lee Stronach Human Rights Award at CJA's 15th Anniversary Dinner.
Recent Press Releases
Kiobel v. Shell: Supreme Court Limits Courts’ Ability to Hear Claims of Human Rights Abuses Committed Abroad
April 17th, 2013
April 17th, 2013
The U.S. Supreme Court today issued a disappointing decision in Kiobel v. Shell, holding that the ATS does not provide an avenue for justice for Nigerian human rights victims who were harmed when Shell Oil assisted the Nigerian government in attacking them and their family members. Despite this, the splintered opinions by Justices Kennedy, Alito, and Thomas leave open the possibility that companies and individuals may still be liable for their abuses in cases with a stronger connection to the United States.
U.S. DOJ finally releases General Vides Casanova’s Immigration Decision
April 4th, 2013
April 4th, 2013
In a surprise move, the US DOJ reversed itself and released to the NY Times the immigration decision which found former Salvadoran Defense Minister Vides Casanova responsible for widespread human rights abuses in the 1980s. Earlier in April, the NY Times sued DOJ for its release after a FOIA request was denied. CJA and our clients won a civil suit against the General in 2002 and have vigorously pursued efforts to have him removed. Click here to read the decision and here to read the NY Times article.
Civil Society Requests Expansion of More Charges in the Current Case 002 Trials
The passing of Ieng Sary and the dismissal of Ieng Thirith for mental unfitness—and the advanced age and poor health of the remaining two Khmer Rouge defendants (Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan)—make imperative the need for an efficient and exhaustive decision on the liability of Khmer Rouge era atrocities.
