Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC October 9, 2002
Guatemala: Gerardi Convictions OverturnedWe believe it is extremely important that the Government of Guatemala and the Guatemalan judicial system bring to justice those responsible for the heinous murder of Bishop Juan Gerardi in 1998.
The United States places a high value on the independence of national judiciaries and respects the Guatemalan court's responsibility to review the convictions in the murder case of Bishop Juan Gerardi.
We are deeply concerned, however, by the intimidation and harassment related to this case. We therefore call upon the government of Guatemala to make every effort to ensure the safety and protection of judges, prosecutors, and witnesses as this case is retried.
Released on October 8, 2002
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