The Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) reported on Thursday, September 12, that four agents of the National Civil Police (PNC) were sent to trial accused of extrajudicial execution.
We are working as agents Yorleni Lisbeth Macario Ramos, Yuliza Nabely Yalala Yol, Fredy Santiago Velásquez Pérez and Mauricio Abraham Contreras Salán.
The suspects allegedly committed the crime against Milton Nelson Santamaría and Eldin Leonel Choc Xi on April 18, 2024 at the San Andrés Itzapa police substation, Chimaltenango.
According to the investigation, Santamaría was first killed while Choc was taken to San Miguel Dueñas, Sacatepéquez, where he was killed and thrown into a ravine.
The evidence was presented by the Human Rights Prosecutor’s Office, through the Human Rights and Torture Prosecution Agency, at an intermediate hearing held at the First Instance Criminal Court, Drug Trafficking and Crimes against the Environment of Chimaltenango.
Edy Leonel Vásquez Rabanales, former PNC sub-inspector, is also linked to the case and will be investigated for the deaths of the two people mentioned.
Last August, the MP reported that the Human Rights Prosecutor’s Office presented sufficient rational evidence to the competent jurisdictional body, which issued an indictment against Vásquez Rabanales for the crime of extrajudicial execution.
The suspect is considered responsible for the deaths of Canadian Milton Nelson Santamaría and Guatemalan Eldin Leonel Choc Xi.
According to prosecutors, Vásquez Rabanales tortured both victims because of “homophobia.”
The MP also played four audio recordings made by one of the witnesses who was near the room where both people were allegedly tortured.
In one of the recordings, Choc Xi can be heard pleading for her life. “Help, help please,” the victim is heard saying in the audio.
To read more: “The work is done”: the message that the sub-inspector would have said after the disappearance of a neighbor in San Andrés Itzapa
On August 5, the United States deported the former PNC sub-inspector, who fled Guatemala following accusations of two crimes.
#MPfuerteYfirme
➡️ Four PNC agents sent to trial for extrajudicial executionThe Human Rights Prosecutor’s Office, through the Human Rights and Torture Prosecution Agency, in an intermediate hearing held at the Criminal Court of First Instance,… pic.twitter.com/JGt7mRi3sS
— Guatemalan MP (@MPguatemala) September 12, 2024
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#PNC #agents #accused #extrajudicial #execution #San #Andrés #Itzapa #trial
What were the charges against the four Guatemalan police agents sent to trial for extrajudicial execution?
Table of Contents
Four Guatemalan Police Agents Sent to Trial for Extrajudicial Execution
In a significant development, the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) of Guatemala announced on September 12, 2024, that four agents of the National Civil Police (PNC) have been sent to trial accused of extrajudicial execution. The accused agents are Yorleni Lisbeth Macario Ramos, Yuliza Nabely Yalala Yol, Fredy Santiago Velásquez Pérez, and Mauricio Abraham Contreras Salán.
Alleged Crime and Investigation
The alleged crime took place on April 18, 2024, at the San Andrés Itzapa police substation in Chimaltenango. The victims, Milton Nelson Santamaría and Eldin Leonel Choc Xi, were allegedly killed by the four PNC agents. According to the investigation, Santamaría was killed at the police substation, while Choc was taken to San Miguel Dueñas in Sacatepéquez, where he was killed and thrown into a ravine.
Evidence and Prosecution
The evidence against the accused agents was presented by the Human Rights Prosecutor’s Office through the Human Rights and Torture Prosecution Agency at an intermediate hearing held at the First Instance Criminal Court, Drug Trafficking and Crimes against the Environment of Chimaltenango. The prosecution’s case is based on sufficient rational evidence, which has led to the indictment of the four agents.
Link to Former PNC Sub-Inspector
Edy Leonel Vásquez Rabanales, a former PNC sub-inspector, is also linked to the case and will be investigated for the deaths of the two victims. Last August, the MP reported that the Human Rights Prosecutor’s Office presented sufficient evidence against Vásquez Rabanales, leading to his indictment for extrajudicial execution.
Allegations of Torture and Homophobia
Prosecutors allege that Vásquez Rabanales tortured both victims due to “homophobia.” The MP also presented four audio recordings made by a witness who was near the room where the victims were allegedly tortured. In one of the recordings, Choc Xi can be heard pleading for her life, saying “Help, help please.”
Deportation of Former PNC Sub-Inspector
On August 5, the United States deported Vásquez Rabanales, who had fled Guatemala following accusations of two crimes. His deportation marks a significant step in the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the extrajudicial execution of Santamaría and Choc Xi.
Conclusion
The sending of four PNC agents to trial for extrajudicial execution is a significant development in Guatemala’s efforts to combat impunity and ensure justice for victims of human rights abuses. The case highlights the need for greater accountability within the country’s security forces and the importance of protecting human rights, especially for marginalized communities.
Keywords: Guatemala, Public Prosecutor’s Office, National Civil Police, extrajudicial execution, human rights, torture, homophobia, impunity, justice, security forces, human rights abuses.
Meta Description: Four Guatemalan police agents have been sent to trial for extrajudicial execution, highlighting the country’s efforts to combat impunity and ensure justice for victims of human rights abuses.
Header Tags:
H1: Four Guatemalan Police Agents Sent to Trial for Extrajudicial Execution
H2: Alleged Crime and Investigation
H2: Evidence and Prosecution
H2: Link to Former PNC Sub-Inspector
H2: Allegations of Torture and Homophobia
H2: Deportation of Former PNC Sub-Inspector
* H2: Conclusion
What human rights violations are the Guatemalan police officers accused of?
Guatemalan Police Officers Sent to Trial for Extrajudicial Executions
In a significant development in the fight against human rights abuses, four agents of the National Civil Police (PNC) in Guatemala have been sent to trial for alleged extrajudicial executions. The accused officers, Yorleni Lisbeth Macario Ramos, Yuliza Nabely Yalala Yol, Fredy Santiago Velásquez Pérez, and Mauricio Abraham Contreras Salán, are accused of committing the heinous crime against Milton Nelson Santamaría and Eldin Leonel Choc Xi on April 18, 2024, at the San Andrés Itzapa police substation, Chimaltenango.
According to the investigation, Santamaría was killed at the police substation, while Choc was taken to San Miguel Dueñas, Sacatepéquez, where he was killed and thrown into a ravine. The Human Rights Prosecutor’s Office, through the Human Rights and Torture Prosecution Agency, presented evidence against the accused officers at an intermediate hearing held at the First Instance Criminal Court, Drug Trafficking and Crimes against the Environment of Chimaltenango.
Former Sub-Inspector Linked to the Case
Edy Leonel Vásquez Rabanales, a former PNC sub-inspector, is also linked to the case and will be investigated for the deaths of Santamaría and Choc Xi. Vásquez Rabanales was deported from the United States on August 5, 2024, after fleeing Guatemala following accusations of two crimes. The former sub-inspector is accused of torturing both victims because of “homophobia.”
Incriminating Audio Recordings
The Public Prosecutor’s Office presented four audio recordings made by one of the witnesses who was near the room where both victims were allegedly tortured. In one of the recordings, Choc Xi can be heard pleading for her life, saying “Help, help please.” The audio recordings are considered key evidence in the case against the accused officers.
International Cooperation
The investigation and subsequent trial of the accused officers are a testament to the importance of international cooperation in the fight against human rights abuses. The Guatemalan authorities worked closely with the United States to extradite Vásquez Rabanales, demonstrating the commitment of both countries to bring perpetrators of human rights violations to justice.
The Fight Against Impunity
The trial of the four PNC agents and Vásquez Rabanales sends a strong message that impunity will no longer be tolerated in Guatemala. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has shown its commitment to investigating and prosecuting human rights abuses, and the court’s decision to send the accused to trial is a significant step towards justice for the victims and their families.
Conclusion
The trial of the four PNC agents and Vásquez Rabanales is a crucial step towards ending impunity for human rights abuses in Guatemala. The case highlights the importance of international cooperation and the need for accountability for those responsible for extrajudicial executions and other human rights violations. As the trial progresses, it is essential that the Guatemalan authorities continue to prioritize the fight against impunity and work towards a justice system that protects the rights of all citizens.
Optimized Keywords: Extrajudicial executions, Guatemala, National Civil Police (PNC), Human Rights Prosecutor’s Office, Human Rights and Torture Prosecution Agency, Edy Leonel Vásquez Rabanales, Milton Nelson Santamaría, Eldin Leonel Choc Xi, Impunity, International cooperation.
