Guatemala sued over activist’s death

WASHINGTON – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights announced Wednesday that it is suing Guatemala in the Inter-American Court of Human Rights over the 2004 murder of activist Florentín Gudiel. The case remains unsolved.

Gudiel was serving as mayor of the town of Cruce La Esperanza when he was killed, according to a statement by the commission.

“The investigation into the killing was plagued by irregularities, and the authorities did not ensure the protection of witnesses, including relatives of Gudiel, who were forced to leave the area,” the statement said.

The commission had recommended that Guatemala conduct a thorough investigation and punish officials who denied justice and safety to human rights defenders. But apparently Guatemala did not comply. The commission filed its lawsuit in the Costa Rica-based human rights court on July 17.