Penados said members of the military hierarchy have told the archbishop's office, however, that a legitimate search is under way for Roman. Such internal turmoil became apparent last year when a local military base commander encouraged the kidnapping of several international human rights activists and then the military leadership in Guatemala City demanded their release. Those changes in command run up against an old history. For instance, though the previous government eliminated local military commissioners as a job category, many human rights workers are skeptical. But the most blatant affront to reform in Guatemala is crimes committed by members of the military that go unpunished.
Journalists continue to be threatened, as well as judges.
More witnesses to human rights abuses are coming forward, more human rights organizations are pushing for prosecution of offenders and the United Nations is monitoring some cases. It makes the government as a whole look impotent. When asked to speculate about Roman's whereabouts, Manuel immediately pointed out the ironies that surround his case. The Campaign for Peace and Life in Guatemala, a coalition of groups, is currently developing paid ads for Guatemalan newspapers and radio stations demanding the arrest of Roman. The organization is seeking donations and the signatures of denominations and churches.