A Guatemalan judge has found six people guilty over the deaths of 41 girls in a raging 2017 fire at a state shelter for vulnerable youths that had a history of abuse.
The sentencing is a step towards closure in one of the most horrific and deadly events in Guatemalan history. The tragedy drew international attention and highlighted pervasive abuse in the government’s shelter system.
The six sentenced—two former police officers and four former child protection officials—were found guilty of homicide, mistreatment of minors, breach of duties, and abuse of authority. All pleaded not guilty.
Judge Ingrid Cifuentes also ordered the investigation of former president Jimmy Morales for his role in ordering police to work at a facility where minors who had not committed crimes were held. Former social welfare secretary Carlos Rodas was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
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