Former Guatemala dictator faces war crimes charges

Rodrigo Abd / AP

Guatemala's former strongman Efrain Rios Montt, who faces genocide charges, stands amid policemen during a break at a courtroom in Guatemala City on Jan. 26, 2012.

Reuters reports from GUATEMALA CITY: 

Former Guatemalan dictator Efrain Rios Montt will face trial on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity as the Central American nation seeks to close files on a brutal 36-year civil war.

A judge found sufficient evidence that linked Rios Montt, who ruled during a particularly bloody period in 1982 and 1983, to the killing of more than 1,700 indigenous people in one counterinsurgency effort. Read the full story.

Rodrigo Abd / AP

Relatives of genocide victims watch Efrain Rios Montt in the courtroom during a hearing related to the accusations of genocide.

Rodrigo Abd / AP

A banner with portraits of people who disappeared during Montt's reign.