GUATEMALA: concern at wave of attacks on civil society
FRG supporters broke up a peaceful demonstration organized outside the Supreme Court of Justice to protest against impunity and request the arrest of ex-dictator General EfraÃn RÃos Montt for altering an alcohol tax. They then proceeded to assault and beat up members of the Movimiento.
Police reportedly did not respond to calls for assistance. Police inaction on this occasion occurs in the context of a recent spate of attacks, threats and acts of intimidation against judges, opposition politicians, human rights activists and journalists by as yet unidentified persons.
Amnesty International is renewing its call on Guatemalan authorities to investigate all such attacks, bring the perpetrators to justice and guarantee the rights to freedom of expression and physical integrity of people taking part in future peaceful demonstrations.