Increased Penalty in Salvadoran Journalist Murder Case
Three former Salvadoran military officers convicted of murdering four Dutch journalists in 1982 have received 30-year prison sentences according to the final written verdict. This exceeds the initial 15-year penalty announced during the June 4th court hearing in Chalatenango.
Legal Details and Requirements
The judge imposed 15 years per victim, totaling 60 years per defendant. However, Salvadoran law at the time of the crime caps sentences at 30 years. Additionally, President Nayib Bukele must issue public apologies within 30 working days since the perpetrators were high-ranking officials.
Historical Context of the Crime
The journalists—Koos Koster, Jan Kuiper, Joop Willemsen, and Hans ter Laag—were ambushed and killed on March 17, 1982, while documenting El Salvador's civil war for IKON broadcasting. A 1990s UN truth commission identified Colonel Mario Reyes Mena as the principal responsible party.
Delayed Justice Process
An amnesty law protected suspects until 2016. Relatives filed formal complaints in 2017 after its repeal. Reyes Mena (85) resides in the US with an extradition request pending, while co-defendants Guillermo García (91) and Francisco Morán (93) remain hospitalized.
Reactions and Ongoing Proceedings
Victim's sister Sonja ter Laag welcomed the increased sentence but expressed skepticism about Bukele's apology implementation. Defendants continue denying involvement, with García calling the trial "irregular" in an open letter. All face additional war crime investigations.