GUATEMALA: Ex-dictator’s daughter barred from presidency

The constitutional court of Guatemala has barred Zury Ríos, the daughter of ex-military ruler Efraín Ríos Montt, from running for the presidency. Ms Ríos was one of the frontrunners ahead of elections on 16 June. The court argued that Guatemala’s constitution bars close relatives of coup leaders from serving as president. Efraín Ríos Montt’s rule […]

The constitutional court of Guatemala has barred Zury Ríos, the daughter of ex-military ruler Efraín Ríos Montt, from running for the presidency.

Ms Ríos was one of the frontrunners ahead of elections on 16 June.

The court argued that Guatemala’s constitution bars close relatives of coup leaders from serving as president.

Efraín Ríos Montt’s rule in the 1980s is considered one of the most ruthless periods of Guatemala’s civil war, when entire Mayan villages were wiped out.