Thousands demand end to violence in Guatemala

Beset by violence that is apparently beyond the control of security forces, Guatemalans marched to the capital's central plaza to voice their insecurity. Cardinal Quezada Toruno said bloody bodies in the streets is now an every day occurence.

Sunday, January 11, 2009
Martin Barillas


Cardinal Rodolfo Quezada Toruño, Archbishop of Guatemala, called upon Christians in Guatemala to participate in a Peace Walk that took place January 10 in the capital city of the Central American republic. Over 10,000 faithful showed up in response at Constitution Plaza in central Guatemala City in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral and the old National Palace. Representing over 143 distinct parishes, Catholics and other Christians converged upon the colonial era church protesting their fatigue over murder, rape, abductions, drug addiction and drug-related violence. Incursions of Mexican drug cartels, bolstered by violence committed by Central American gangs called “maras” have caused a feeling of insecurity throughout Guatemala, which already has a legacy of violence and killing left over from a decades-long civil war. A recent survey showed that 78 percent of Guatemalans polled are afraid to go out in the street, while 90 percent fear kidnapping.

Beginning in the early afternoon on January 10, the first wave of pilgrims reached the plaza accompanied by musicians, clowns and jugglers, in a family atmosphere. Marchers bore placards and signs. Some of these read “Without social justice, there is no peace,” “Peace in Guatemala, the Gaza Strip and the Mid-east,” “Through Jesus and Mary we can have peace,” “No more violence!” Many marchers carried aloft the flag of the State of Israel, as well as Catholic and other Christian imagery and banners.

Cardinal Quezada Toruño spoke to the pilgrims and expressed concern over the violence besetting the country, “This march represents the acute necessity of security throughout the country. The year 2008 ended with a regrettable memory for our country of a tragic blood bath. With no exaggeration, it was one of the most violent in recent history. Thousands of homes lost a loved one: 6292 murders. People savagely murdered and covered with sheets on the street, for children to see became habitual.” The crime rate in Guatemala saw a considerable increase in 2008, with a rise in kidnappings, homicides, and massacres linked to illegal drug trade. The reported number of kidnappings doubled last year. Victims include drivers, families, and businessmen, some of whom were killed upon refusing to hand over money.

Following the vocal pleas of the cardinal, who spoke from a dais erected in front of the cathedral, was celebrated a Mass at which attended President Alvaro Colom, Human Rights Prosecutor Sergio Morales, Nery Rodenas of the archdiocesan human rights office, Estuardo Gálvez of San Carlos University, and Norma Cruz of Survivors Foundation. Rev. Hugo Estrada of Guatemala City said “In response to the violence we are experiencing, there is a lot of fear and the people feel threatened. The least we can do is call upon God and protest, but also come together and celebrate a Mass in brotherhood.”