Charges against Mejia Dropped

From the AFP

Guatemala prosecutors have moved to drop genocide and war crimes charges against former dictator Oscar Mejia, who ruled from 1983-86, arguing that the 80-year-old is not fit to stand trial.

"Based on both forensic and psychiatric reports, and in accordance with applicable law, the criminal prosecution of Mr Mejia cannot continue, and so we have to suspend (it)," chief prosecutor Manuel Vasquez told reporters Tuesday.

In many ways, it's just a formality once Mejia was found unfit to stand trial. It's disappointing that, as of now, he won't stand trial. As I wrote last month, I was uncomfortable having eighty and ninety-year olds suffer their remaining years in prison,

However, at this point, I am more concerned that these men have their day in court. They should be tried for crimes related to their conduct during the war. Even if they never have to spend a day in prison, it will be something remarkable for a Guatemalan court to find them guilty of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

They could spend the rest of their lives under house arrest, but history will not absolve them.

Now it looks like Mejia won't even have his day in court.