The Manifestations of Political Violence in Guatemala

During the course of its work, the CIIDH has identified some forms of violence that correspond to those outlined above. In addition, however, specific types of violence have been identified that are consistent with the characteristics of the Guatemalan government’s counterinsurgency strategy and the degree of organization and social struggle existing during the period studied. In this regard, CIDCA suggests that in Guatemala "each group of incidents of political violence correspond to an economic and/or social problem" and "those who are victims of political violence have been associated with identifiable socio-economic conflicts (personally or as part of their particular social sector)," (CIDCA: 1980).

In terms of the methods and levels of violence, CIDCA further points out that "the intensity of violent acts varies according to a dynamic produced (by act or omission) in the State apparatus," (CIDCA: 1980).

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