Guatemala faces landmark ruling for Indigenous rights violation by permitting mine on tribal land
FOX NewsJUL 2023
Guatemala: Former Military Leader Stands Trial for Genocide
Image copyright: Robert Nickelsberg/Contributor/Archive Photos via Getty Images
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Given that the evidence against Lucas García is overwhelming, he should be found guilty. However, because Guatemala's judicial system is well-known for its tendency to favor foreign interests rather than those of its citizens, a negative outcome would be no surprise. It's important to remember that the Reagan administration actively backed this genocidal regime.
Pro-establishment narrative
When courts in Guatemala target former leaders, be it Benedicto Lucas García or the late dictator Ríos Montt, on genocide charges, it's their political beliefs that are in the spotlight rather than their real crimes — otherwise, war criminal insurgents should also face charges. That's easier to understand when only America is unfairly blamed for third-party crimes.