"The souls of our daughters are still there": the mothers seeking justice for the fire at the children's home in Guatemala

In December 2016, Vianney Hernández's daughter Ashly was taken by a gang, leading Vianney to place her in the Hogar Seguro Virgen de la Asunción, a state-run home for at-risk children in Guatemala. Despite promises of safety, the home was abusive and neglectful. On March 7, 2017, a fire broke out in the home, killing 41 girls and injuring 15. The fire was allegedly started by one of the girls in a desperate attempt to escape. Twelve public officials are being tried for their roles in the incident, but the legal process has been slow and frustrating for the victims' families. The mothers, including Vianney and Roxana, continue to seek justice and accountability for the tragedy.

Children's home fire: 'The souls of our daughters are still there'

In December 2016, Vianney Hernández's 13-year-old daughter Ashly was taken by a gang in Guatemala City. To protect her, Vianney sent Ashly to the state-run Virgen de la Asunción home, which was later revealed to be a place of severe abuse. On 7 March 2017, a fire broke out in the overcrowded home, killing 41 girls and injuring 15 others. The fire was allegedly started by one of the girls in a desperate attempt to escape. Twelve public officials are on trial for charges ranging from manslaughter to abuse of authority, but the legal proceedings have been slow and frustrating for the victims' families. The case has drawn criticism from international organizations like the United Nations and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

Children's home fire: 'The souls of our daughters are still there'

In December 2016, Vianney Hernández's daughter Ashly was taken by a gang in Guatemala City. To protect her, Vianney sent Ashly to the state-run Virgen de la Asunción home, which was later revealed to be abusive and poorly managed. On 7 March 2017, a fire at the home killed 41 girls and injured 15 others. Twelve public officials are on trial, but the legal process has been slow and frustrating for the victims' families. Vianney and other mothers seek justice and accountability for the conditions and events leading to the tragedy.

Slovakia - the latest front in the alt-right EU infowars

Slovakia is currently a battleground in an information war between mainstream media, which upholds journalistic values, and alternative media, which opposes censorship. This conflict reflects broader alt-right influences within the EU, highlighting the ongoing struggle over media narratives and the dissemination of information.

Colombia’s rebels are losing patience with peace

The peace process between the Colombian government and the FARC is facing significant challenges, with a portion of the rebels rejecting the agreement and continuing illegal activities. Public confidence is eroding, and political pressure from opponents like Álvaro Uribe complicates the situation. The government needs to take urgent action to reintegrate FARC members into civilian life and ensure their safety to prevent a return to conflict.

Is Colombia going from war to peace to genocide?

In the three months following a peace agreement with the FARC, at least 23 social leaders have been killed in Colombia, raising fears of a resurgence of paramilitary violence reminiscent of the 1990s. Alicia Lopez, a community leader and farmers’ rights defender, was the latest victim, assassinated in Medellin. The ongoing violence targets those supporting the FARC's political inclusion and other pluralist civilians. The Lopez family had previously been threatened by paramilitaries, and the Peoples’ Congress, to which Alicia belonged, has indicated that her family remains at risk. Paramilitary groups and drug traffickers are filling a power vacuum in rural areas, with the government's response being criticized as inadequate. President Juan Manuel Santos has announced a military offensive, but its effectiveness remains to be seen.

Country profile: Nicaragua

Nicaragua's political landscape is marked by the controversial leadership of Daniel Ortega, who has been accused of betraying the ideals of the Sandinista revolution and consolidating power through constitutional amendments and election irregularities. Despite his authoritarian tendencies, Ortega enjoys support among the poor and business elite due to prudent macroeconomic policies and social programs. However, rural areas and autonomous regions still face significant challenges. The US has a history of intervention in Nicaragua, and recent legislation aims to pressure Ortega into adopting democratic reforms. The country's future remains uncertain as it navigates internal and external pressures.

Spain’s sunshine toll: Row over proposed solar tax

The article discusses the consequences of Spain's rapid expansion in solar energy infrastructure. The individual quoted expresses regret over the hasty construction of photovoltaic installations, suggesting that a more gradual approach would have resulted in better outcomes and lower costs. The sentiment reflects on the challenges of balancing the urgency of renewable energy development with the benefits of technological advancements and cost reductions over time.

Cuba-US thaw sparks mixed media emotions

The article discusses the reaction of Cuban exile-run newspapers in the United States to the normalization of relations between the US and Cuba. Specifically, it references an editorial in the Miami-based newspaper El Nuevo Herald, which expresses a somber mood and questions whether the shift in US policy will lead to significant changes in Cuba, such as increased rights and freedoms, or if it will merely provide support to the Cuban regime at a time when its economic ally, Venezuela, is weakening.

Portugal's seasonal jobs paradox

The government has implemented a policy to support employment during the winter season by offering to pay half of the wages for employees. This initiative is aimed at encouraging employers to retain their staff during the off-peak period. Mr. Baia, from an employment agency, mentions that the low season is utilized for training workers to enhance their skills for better performance in the following summer.