Mass Grave Uncovered

The following article from Cerigua describes how a storm that caused entire villages to become mass graves also unearthed a man-made mass grave.

Hurricane Stan unearths clandestine cementary in Quetzaltenango

By Vinicio Contreras

A clandestine grave filled with dozens of victims of Guatemala's internal armed conflict, was unearthed in the village of Las Nubes, San Martin Sacatepéquez, Quetzaltenango, by mudslides caused by hurricane Stan.

The information was confirmed by Rudy Castillo, the regional representative of the Human Rights Ombudsman’s Office (PDH), who examined the scene and prepared an official report after being contacted by local residents.

Castillo went to the Public Ministry offices on October 10th to formally denounce the mass grave, so that an investigation may be opened to determine the names of the victims and those responsible for committing the massacre.

Residents of Las Nubes, fearful of possible retaliation for having contacted authorities regarding this find, requested that human rights organizations pursue this case to clarify the facts and to dignify the memory of the victims.

Tags: Guatemala, Stan, Mudslides, Floods, Massacre, Grave