PRESS RELEASE 086
FORMER POLICE OFFICER SENTENCED ALONG WITH BROTHER
Guatemala, November 8, 2012. Today, the Fourth Court of Criminal Sentencing of the Department of Guatemala convicted Enrique Francisco Caal Xoy (former National Civil Police [PNC] officer) and his brother, Mario Antonio Caal Xoy, on charges of conspiracy to commit murder.
These persons formed part of a criminal organization operating in the departments of Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz and Guatemala. As a police officer, Enrique Francisco Caal Xoy, through his illicit acts, completely disregarded his obligation to protect the fundamental rights of people.
Enrique Francisco Caal Xoy was sentenced to 25 years in prison, with an additional 6 years and 3 months because his position as a public office-bearer was considered an aggravating factor. Furthermore, the Court awarded him 8 further years on the charge of illegal possession of civilian and/or sports arms. In total, the accused party shall serve an incommutable sentence of 39 years and 3 months in prison.
Mario Antonio Caal Xoy was awarded a 25-year incommutable prison sentence.
It must be stated that Enrique Francisco Caal Xoy served in the National Civil Police Division of Protection for Eminent Persons protecting judges of the high-risk sentencing courts.
The International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) acted as a complementary prosecutor in this criminal proceeding.
BACKGROUND FACTS
The accused parties—Enrique Francisco Caal Xoy (former National Civil Police Officer) and Mario Antonio Caal Xoy—were arrested on April 18, 2012 and they were accused of forming part of a criminal organization that operated in the departments of Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz and Guatemala City.
|