The Central American country of Guatemala fought a bloody civil war for over 36 years. The

In a short lived movement to install a civilian lead government, Cesar Mendez was democratically elected president and it seemed that the bloodshed may be over. On the contrary, the Civil War intensified as the military revved up a robust counterinsurgency campaign to defeat the newly elected government. As the fighting continued, the military seized power again. Under the rule of military backed Carlos Arana was elected President. As expected he began to use force and violence against indigenous communities and militant groups that opposed the new regime. The military seized more power over the civilian population. This military action continued for the next decade. Like in many countries that are not a world power, most of this violence went unnoticed. Yet while the world focused on the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, Guatemalan citizens were victims of military rule and being terrorized by the state. Indigenous activists, suspected government opponents, refugees, academics, students, unions, journalist and children where all victims of the states practice of violence and inhuman policies. As the years passed the international community took notice of the situation in Guatemala. Brought on by the policys set in place to prevent the spread of Communism the Inter-American Human Rights Commission took action. A report was released that placed fault on the oppressive Guatemalan government. The report included acts that