Efrain Rios Montt
Dictator of Guatemala
Was Efrain Rios Montt known for extreme brutality as a Latin American dictator during the early 1980's?
Efrain Rios Monnt was born June 16, 1926 in Huenvetenango, Guatemala. He joined the army in 1943. Montt held superior positions, such as chief of army general staff. He received a professional education at the US Fort Gulick in the Panama Canal Zone and at the Army School of War in Italy. He retired from his political and military life and joined a protestant church. War broke out in Guatemala. In 1882, Rios Montt forced the resignations of two members of ruling military and instated himself as president. The people of Guatemala began to receive brutality with Montt as dictator. Rural violence soared. It was the bloodiest periods of Anti Mayan violence against Guatemala. Catholic priests were victims. Monnt practiced protestantism. On July 1,1982 Rios Montt proclaimed a state of siege because of the presence of armed rebellion. He allowed it to be legal for government to kill citizens. Taxes increased. Montt left after he had an investigation on charges of his abuse of authority.
Ex-Dictator Rios Montt Stands Trial For Guatemala War Crimes
Ex-Dictator Rios Montt Stands Trial For Guatemala War Crimes
It is apparent in the video clip that dictator, Efrain Rios Montt comitted severe attrocoties. He is on trial for Guatemala war crimes from when he served as dictator of Guatemala. His reign was from 1982 and 1983. He is on trial for genocide and crimes against humanity. 1700 igenious peoples deaths were caused by Montt. In the video it is said there is a lot of evidence against Montt.
1982
I am happy to write that I have become the dictator of Guatemala. It was hard work. I had to push many people aside, but powerful actions need to be taken when trying to reach your goals. I am a strong believer in Protestantism and I must take action in converting everyone in Guatemala to this religion. People who are Catholic need to be abolished. Ingenious and Mayan people are worthless to the strength of Guatemala. I need to do something about these people. I am excited to make Guatemala as strong and powerful as possible.
Works Cited
" ABC-CLIO." ABC-CLIO. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. http://abcclio.com. "YouTube." YouTube. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <http://youtube.com>.