A historic trial began last week in Guatemala. Two former military officers are accused of murder, kidnapping, and keeping almost a dozen women in slavery during Guatemala's civil war. This is the first time a national court has had a trial over sex slavery during an armed conflict. The war lasted 36 years and resulted in 200,000 deaths and 45,000 disappearances. Most of the violence targeted Mayans and 93% of the crimes were committed by the military. The accused officers are trying to delay the trial, as they don't have any good defense. Guatemala's legal and healthcare systems have both been a problem since the war ended in 1996. The legal system makes prosecuting for human rights violations difficult and the women harmed in the conflict still do not have access to healthcare. Many women fear that if the officers get away with their crimes, it will increase the likelihood of something like this happening again. War crimes not being prosecuted isn't a new problem and it's not a problem that the America can ignore. Even the US's army has a history of very illegal behavior during every war we've been a part of, except World War 1.
http://www.npr.org/2016/02/13/466630760/in-historic-trial-mayan-women-accuse-ex-military-officers-of-sex-slavery
Great analysis! -Mattie Whisler 9th period Flex
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