Efrain Rios Montt
Guatemalan Dictator for 1 Year
Who is he?
Efraín Ríos Montt was a military attaché and army general who became known as the first Latin American dictator to be convicted of genocide. Montt was a huge offender of human rights abuse during his rule that lasted from 1982-1983. Efraín Ríos Montt suspended the Guatemalan Constitution and started a campaign against political dissidents. Ríos Montt went against communism and targeted the indigenous people of Guatemala. During his time as leader he murdered moe than 10,000 indigenous people and forced more than 100,000 indigenous farmers to flee their homes. Almost 600 villages were annihilated by Rios Montt. Efraín Ríos Montt was trying to prevent the spread of Marxist ideas to reach the Guatemalan countryside. The massacre of the Plan de Sánchez in July 1982 and the Dos Erres in December 1982 together cause the murder of more than 450 people. In 2012 he was charged on the crimes of genocide and violations of human rights in Guatemala during his reign of the country.
Ex-Dictator Rios Montt Stands Trial For Guatemala War Crimes
The Video
Efrain Ríos Montt was put on trial in 2012 for his crimes against humanity and under accusation of genocides in Guatemala. The video talks about his dictatorship in 1982-1983. Ríos Montt got time in prison for is crimes against humanity and as well as Ríos Montt's right hand man during the time of the genocide in Guatemala.
Letter from Guatemala
Dear Mr. President,
Efraín Ríos Montt is a horrible person. He is murdering thousands of our indigenous people and we have no way to stop him. He is abusing our human rights and we are losing any chance for survival if he isn't stopped. Hundreds have already fallen victim to him and he is showing no signs of stopping. We, the people of Guatemala, need your help. We need someone to come and stop Efraín Ríos Montt from hurting anyone else. Please send help to our country we are in desperate need of it.Sincerely,
The People of Guatemala
Essential Question
How has Efraín Ríos Montt's dictatorial rule in Guatemala have a different impact on Latin America compared to other Latin American dictators?
Citations
Biography: "Guatemala's Efraín Ríos Montt: Genocidal Dictator or not?." International Business Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2014 <http://www.ibtimes.com?who-efrain-rios-montt-how-guatemalan-ex-military-ruler-became-first-latin-american-dictator-1273407>.
Video: youtube.com, efrain rios montt 1982