Guatemalan human rights attorney Hilda Piñeda

Guatemala City, October 12 (RHC)-- In Guatemala, there has been a shake-up in the Human Rights Prosecutor’s Office.  The office’s lead prosecutor, Hilda Piñeda, has been transferred, sparking criticism from human rights groups. 

Hilda Piñeda led the prosecution against former U.S.-backed dictator Efraín Ríos Montt and has investigated other cases of forced disappearances, torture and crimes against humanity.  She will now be working in a new office focused on crimes targeting tourists visiting Guatemala.

Her transfer comes just months after the ousting of Guatemala’s top anti-corruption prosecutor, Juan Francisco Sandoval, who was then forced to flee the country.