Guatemala: Ex-leader sent for 'fit-for-trial' tests

A Guatemalan judge has ordered the former President, Oscar Humberto Mejia Victores, be taken to a military hospital for examination to determine if he is fit to face trial on charges of crimes against humanity.

The prosecution spokesman, Manuel Vasquez, said Mr Victores, who was President from 1983-1986, was under sedation when the judge went to his home for an initial hearing. Defence lawyers said he was unable to appear in court as he had suffered a stroke.

Mr Victores is accused of overseeing massacres in Indian villages suspected of supporting leftist guerrillas when he was an army general then defence minister during Guatemala's 1960-1996 civil war.