Makrina Gudiel: Seeking Justice for Crimes of the Past in Guatemala

Makrina Gudiel's brother, before he disappeared in Guatemala during the country's 36-year civil war.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Department of Latin American Studies and Women's Studies, and Education for Justice are hosting Makrina Gudiel Monday night at 7pm in Brennan 509 on the campus of the University of Scranton.

Many Guatemalans lost loved ones during that country’s civil war. For Makrina, it was her brother, who was disappeared in 1983 by state forces and is included in the infamous Military Diary, a logbook that documented the kidnap, torture, and murder of 183 people considered to be linked to anti-government activity. 

Her family brought her brother's case to the Inter-American Commission in 2004, and just days later, her father was murdered. The government never carried out an adequate investigation into the crime, and on February 5, 2014, Makrina testified before the Inter-American Court about the case.

In 2003, Makrina ran for a seat in congress with the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity Party and has combated corruption as a member of her city council in the town of Cruce de la Esperanza, Escuintla. She serves as a member and coordinator of the Network of Guatemalan Women Human Rights Defenders.

Makrina will explain why her family has fought for justice for these crimes, despite ongoing death threats against them. She will also discuss international solidarity with Guatemala over the last 30 years, including the sanctuary movement of the 1980s and the decades-long struggle to end US military support for repressive regimes in Guatemala. GHRC staff will provide interpretation and background information.

Founded in 1982, the Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA (GHRC) is a non-profit, grassroots, solidarity organization dedicated to promoting human rights in Guatemala and supporting communities and activists who face threats and violence. GHRC documents and denounces abuses, educates the international community, and advocates for policies that foster peace and justice.

There's some good buzz on campus regarding the event and we should also have some guests from the community representing Marywood University, the Fellowship of Reconciliation, and SOAW Scranton. I'm excited about meeting Makrina and Kathryn from the GHRC as well.

The event is free and open to the public so drop on in if you can.