Latest news with #ElbaContreras
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Guatemala sentences officials over 2017 shelter fire killing 41 girls
GUATEMALA CITY: A Guatemalan court on Tuesday sentenced six people to prison terms ranging from six to 25 years for their roles in a 2017 fire that killed 41 girls at a state-run youth shelter. The defendants - two former police officers and four former child protection officials - were convicted of homicide, mistreatment of minors, abuse of authority and breach of duty. The sentences mark a significant step in a national tragedy that drew international condemnation and exposed systemic abuse within Guatemala's state shelters. The fire broke out on March 8, 2017, at the Virgen de la Asunción Safe Home near Guatemala City. According to testimony, 56 girls were padlocked in a small room as punishment for protesting abuse and attempting to escape. After hours inside, one girl set a mattress on fire, hoping to force guards to open the door. Witnesses testified that despite the girls' cries for help, police waited nine minutes to unlock the door. The blaze ultimately killed 41 girls and left 15 survivors with severe burns. 'I know my truth and the truth of my friends who no longer have a voice,' survivor Elba Contreras told the court last month. 'The only thing I ask ... is that you issue a fair sentence ... confirming that these people are guilty.' In her ruling, Judge Ingrid Cifuentes also ordered an investigation into former President Jimmy Morales, who was in office at the time. She cited a lack of jurisdiction for not ruling on charges against a seventh defendant, the country's former children's prosecutor. - Reuters
GMA Network
4 days ago
- GMA Network
Guatemala sentences officials over 2017 shelter fire that killed 41 girls
The mother of a victim reacts following the veredict, as mothers of victims and survivors of the 2017 fire at the Virgen de la Asuncion shelter attend the trial over the deaths of 41 children, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, August 12, 2025. (REUTERS/Cristina Chiquin) GUATEMALA CITY, Aug 12 (Reuters) - A Guatemalan court on Tuesday sentenced six people to prison terms ranging from six to 25 years for their roles in a 2017 fire that killed 41 girls at a state-run youth shelter. The defendants - two former police officers and four former child protection officials - were convicted of homicide, mistreatment of minors, abuse of authority and breach of duty. The sentences mark a significant step in a national tragedy that drew international condemnation and exposed systemic abuse within Guatemala's state shelters. The fire broke out on March 8, 2017, at the Virgen de la Asunción Safe Home near Guatemala City. According to testimony, 56 girls were padlocked in a small room as punishment for protesting abuse and attempting to escape. After hours inside, one girl set a mattress on fire, hoping to force guards to open the door. Witnesses testified that despite the girls' cries for help, police waited nine minutes to unlock the door. The blaze ultimately killed 41 girls and left 15 survivors with severe burns. "I know my truth and the truth of my friends who no longer have a voice," survivor Elba Contreras told the court last month. "The only thing I ask ... is that you issue a fair sentence ... confirming that these people are guilty." In her ruling, Judge Ingrid Cifuentes also ordered an investigation into former President Jimmy Morales, who was in office at the time. She cited a lack of jurisdiction for not ruling on charges against a seventh defendant, the country's former children's prosecutor. —Reuters
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Straits Times
Guatemala sentences officials over 2017 shelter fire that killed 41 girls
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox A woman reacts as mothers of victims and survivors of the 2017 fire at the Virgen de la Asuncion shelter attend the trial over the deaths of 41 children, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, August 12, 2025. REUTERS/Cristina Chiquin GUATEMALA CITY - A Guatemalan court on Tuesday sentenced six people to prison terms ranging from six to 25 years for their roles in a 2017 fire that killed 41 girls at a state-run youth shelter. The defendants - two former police officers and four former child protection officials - were convicted of homicide, mistreatment of minors, abuse of authority and breach of duty. The sentences mark a significant step in a national tragedy that drew international condemnation and exposed systemic abuse within Guatemala's state shelters. The fire broke out on March 8, 2017, at the Virgen de la Asunción Safe Home near Guatemala City. According to testimony, 56 girls were padlocked in a small room as punishment for protesting abuse and attempting to escape. After hours inside, one girl set a mattress on fire, hoping to force guards to open the door. Witnesses testified that despite the girls' cries for help, police waited nine minutes to unlock the door. The blaze ultimately killed 41 girls and left 15 survivors with severe burns. "I know my truth and the truth of my friends who no longer have a voice," survivor Elba Contreras told the court last month. "The only thing I ask ... is that you issue a fair sentence ... confirming that these people are guilty." Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Luxury items seized in $3b money laundering case handed over to Deloitte for liquidation Singapore MyRepublic customers air concerns over broadband speed after sale to StarHub Singapore Power switchboard failure led to disruption in NEL, Sengkang-Punggol LRT services: SBS Transit Singapore NEL and Sengkang-Punggol LRT resume service after hours-long power fault Business Ninja Van cuts 12% of Singapore workforce after 2 rounds of layoffs in 2024 Singapore Hyflux investigator 'took advantage' of Olivia Lum's inability to recall events: Davinder Singh Singapore Man who stabbed son-in-law to death in Boon Tat Street in 2017 dies of heart attack, says daughter Singapore Man who stalked woman blasted by judge on appeal for asking scandalous questions in court In her ruling, Judge Ingrid Cifuentes also ordered an investigation into former President Jimmy Morales, who was in office at the time. She cited a lack of jurisdiction for not ruling on charges against a seventh defendant, the country's former children's prosecutor. REUTERS
