GUATEMALA CITY -- The government Thursday expelled seven foreigners, including two Americans, who were working with a Guatemalan human rights group demanding an investigation into the disappearances of hundreds of people.
Immigration Service director Adolfo Dimas Rangel Solis said he ordered the expulsions of the seven members of Peace Brigades International, or PBI, and an eighth foreigner not affiliated with the group, because 'they have participated in activities that compromise the security of the country.'
The official said the expulsions were ordered by the staff of chief of state Gen. Oscar Humberto Mejia Victores. He did not elaborate on the group's alleged activities.
A PBI spokeswoman, who requested anonymity, said the eight foreigners left Guatemala on Wednesday. She declined to identify the seven group members, saying the names would be released at a news conference scheduled for Friday.
PBI, an organization with headquarters in Toronto and Philadelphia, first came to Guatemala in March 1983. It works with the Mutual Support Group, known by its Spanish acronym GAM, an organization demanding a government investigation into the disappearances of hundreds of Guatemalans.
GAM uses PBI headquarters in Guatemala City to hold its meetings, and PBI members accompany GAM leaders as 'international observers,' offering protection. Two GAM leaders have been killed since the group was formed in June 1984.
In a statement, the PBI sharply condemned the explusions, warning 'such a departure places GAM members in a particularly vulnerable position.'
'All indications are that GAM members will run very serious risks during the absence of the PBI team members,' the statement said.
The statement also said 'such a departure can only damage the image of a democratic Guatemala.'
The country is scheduled to hold a runoff election Dec. 8 to choose its first freely elected president since a CIA-sponsored coup in 1954 toppled a democratic government and installed the first in a long line of military or military-controlled rulers.
