Mejia moved to a military hospital

Prensa Libre

Last I read former President President Oscar Mejia (1983-1986) was on the run from authorities after a Guatemalan judge issued an arrest warrant for him on charges of genocide. That was October 14th. Apparently, he was arrested sometime between then and now. 

However, like Hector Mario Lopez Fuentes, he might also be too ill to stand trial.

A Guatemalan judge ordered that former President Oscar Humberto Mejia Victores be taken to a military hospital on Tuesday for examination to determine if he is fit to face trial on charges of crimes against humanity.

Prosecutors' spokesman Manuel Vasquez says Mejia Victores was under sedation when the judge in the case went to his apartment to conduct an initial hearing.

The former president's lawyers had said he was unable to appear in court because he had suffered a stroke. But when the judge went to his apartment on Tuesday Mejia Victores was also apparently unable to participate in the hearing. He is in his 80s.

While it has been important for the Guatemalan authorities to go after those directly involved in carrying out genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, I also thought that it was more important to go after the intellectual authors of the repression.

It’s tough to say that is not the case. Guatemalan prosecutors appear to be doing their best to hold those who orchestrated the violence accountable. For that, they should be commended.

Unfortunately, time appears to be running out on them as these two generals are in their eighties and another one might be preparing to move in to the presidential palace in a few months.