I wanted to backtrack a bit from my previous semi-rosy report due to the latest developments. Four reporters from the national newspaper Prensa Libre are being held by about 500 former paramilitary members/supporters near Huehuetenango. The former soldiers are demanding back pay and/or more back pay than they have already received. They are in a stand-off with police.
Today's Prensa Libre alleges that Rios Montt's party (FRG) is responsible for the ex-paramilitary action. It cites "independant analysts" as saying that FRG sees the paper as a political enemy to be defeated. Prensa Libre also alleges that as part of their election strategy, FRG has used gangs to create chaos in the capitol, and is buying votes in the mountain villages.
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