Guatemala - Bishop found dead

Описание: (1 May 1998) T/I: 10:29:09


Bishop beaten to death
======================
Guatemalan Bishop Juan Gerardi, 75, an outspoken human rights activist, was murdered late on Sunday (26/4). Church officials said he was beaten to death by unidentified assailants at his residence, three blocks from the presidential palace in downtown Guatemala City. Police investigators blanketed the area early on Monday. The government set up
a commission of enquiry while the Catholic church gave it 72 hours to shed light on the murder. Interior Minister Eduardo Mendoza promised a very thorough investigation.
Observers said the killing may be retaliation for a report Gerardi compiled on human rights abuses and the cost in lives of Guatemala's 36-year civil war. The war ended in a peace accord signed by the rightist government and leftist rebels in December 1996.
The murder happened as Gerardi stepped out of a car following a family dinner, said Mario Orantes, a priest who discovered the bishop clubbed to death.

SHOWS:

GUATEMALA CITY 27/4
Hearse stops in front of church, coffin is taken out, coffin carried into church,
WS interior church,
coffin being opened and push to face of Bishop Gerardi;
WS media conference;
Interior Minister Eduardo Mendoza SPANISH SOT: "As a government, we think the most important thing to do is conduct a very thorough investigation";
Sketch of suspect,
pull to side-shot of news conference.

2.22

Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter:   / ap_archive  
Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​
Instagram:   / apnews  


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...