Guatemalan Court Delivers 40-Year Sentence for Wartime Rapes

Guatemalan Court Sentences Three Former Paramilitaries to 40 Years for Rape of Indigenous Women Guatemala City – In a landmark ruling, a Guatemalan court sentenced three former members of a paramilitary group to 40 years in prison for the rape of six Maya Achi women during the country's brutal civil war (1981-1983). The verdict, delivered on May 31, 2025, is part of a larger effort to bring justice to victims of sexual violence committed during the conflict. The three convicted men were members of the Civil Self-Defense Patrol (PAC), an armed group recruited by the Guatemalan army. Judge María Eugenia Castellanos described the crimes as acts against humanity. "These were not isolated incidents," Castellanos stated in her ruling. "They were part of a systematic campaign of violence against Indigenous women." The trial, which lasted several months, presented over 160 pieces of evidence. The prosecution successfully demonstrated the culpability of the defendants, highlighting the brutality of the crimes and the enduring trauma suffered by the survivors. The victims, many of whom testified during the trial, expressed relief at the verdict, but also emphasized the need for continued efforts to address the legacy of sexual violence in Guatemala. One survivor, speaking outside the courthouse, said, "This is a victory for all Maya Achi women, but the fight for justice is far from over." The Maya Achi case is the second trial to address these crimes. The first trial, in January 2022, resulted in 30-year sentences for five other former PAC members. This ongoing pursuit of justice underscores the determination to confront the past and ensure accountability for those responsible for these heinous acts. The case serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of conflict and the importance of ensuring that victims of war crimes receive justice.