Medical tests ordered for Guatemala ex-dictator Rios Montt to determine whether fit for trial
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this May 10, 2013 file photo, Guatemala's former dictator Jose Efrain Rios Montt wears headphones as he listens to the verdict in his genocide trial in Guatemala City. A Guatemalan court has ruled that Rios Montt be hospitalized for medical and psychological evaluation to determine if he is fit to stand trial. The 89-year-old former general faces charges of genocide for the killing of 1,771 Mayan Ixil people by security forces during his 1982-83 regime. He was convicted in 2013 and sentenced to 80 years, but the verdict was overturned and a new trial ordered. (AP Photo/Moises Castilo, File) (The Associated Press)
A Guatemalan court has ruled that ex-dictator Efrain Rios Montt should be hospitalized for medical and psychological evaluation to determine if he is fit to stand trial.
The court on Tuesday ordered Rios Montt's immediate internment for 12 days at Los Pinos private hospital, where he will be examined by a panel of 10 doctors.
It set an Aug. 18 hearing to consider their reports.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The 89-year-old former general faces charges of genocide for the killing of 1,771 Mayan Ixil people by security forces during his 1982-83 regime.
He was convicted in 2013 and sentenced to 80 years, but the verdict was overturned and a new trial ordered.
Rios Montt's legal team argues he is not competent to understand the proceedings or assist in his defense.