With three votes in favor and two against, the Constitutional Court (CC) decided today to annul the genocide trial process back to April 19. The trial accusing Rios Montt and Rodriguez Sanchez of genocide and crimes against humanity first began on March 19. The Court must resolve various appeals before hearing defense witnesses, hold concluding statements and emit a sentence.

On May 10, Rios Montt was sentenced to 80 years in prison for genocide and crimes against humanity. Rios Montt was stripped of substitute measures and was sent directly to prison. Since May 13, Rios Montt has been admitted in the Military Hospital.

With the decision of the CC, the trial should resume. The Court has 24 hours, after being notified, to comply with the order of the CC.