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Paraguay farmers’ leader gets 35 years for massacre

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The man behind the 2012 massacre of 17 police and farmers in Paraguay, in a crisis that helped bring down a president, was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Farmers' leader Ruben Villalba was on Monday handed the stiffest possible sentence for the killings in Curuguaty, 250 kilometers (155 miles) northwest of the capital.

The violence broke out when authorities ordered police in to remove landless farmers who were squatting on ranch land they did not own there.

It helped lead to leftist then president Fernando Lugo's impeachment.

Three other suspects convicted along with Villalba were sentenced to terms between 18 and 20 years.

Hundreds of Lugo supporters rallied outside the Justice Ministry against the sentences.

Lugo, a former Roman Catholic bishop, was seen as close to leaders of South America's hard left.

His vice president served out his term but was not recognized by some countries, and international organizations.

Conservative President Horacio Cartes since 2013 has moved the country back to full recognition and international involvement.

The man behind the 2012 massacre of 17 police and farmers in Paraguay, in a crisis that helped bring down a president, was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Farmers’ leader Ruben Villalba was on Monday handed the stiffest possible sentence for the killings in Curuguaty, 250 kilometers (155 miles) northwest of the capital.

The violence broke out when authorities ordered police in to remove landless farmers who were squatting on ranch land they did not own there.

It helped lead to leftist then president Fernando Lugo’s impeachment.

Three other suspects convicted along with Villalba were sentenced to terms between 18 and 20 years.

Hundreds of Lugo supporters rallied outside the Justice Ministry against the sentences.

Lugo, a former Roman Catholic bishop, was seen as close to leaders of South America’s hard left.

His vice president served out his term but was not recognized by some countries, and international organizations.

Conservative President Horacio Cartes since 2013 has moved the country back to full recognition and international involvement.

AFP
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With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.

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