During the 1980s, the Guatemalan military assumed almost absolute government power for five years; it had successfully infiltrated and eliminated enemies in every socio-political institution of the nation, including the political, social, and intellectual classes.
Selama tahun 1980, militer Guatemala memegang kekuasaan pemerintah hampir mutlak selama lima tahun; mereka berhasil menyusup dan menyingkirkan musuh di setiap lembaga-lembaga sosial politik negara, termasuk kelas-kelas sosial, intelektual, dan politik.