The trial 's original outcome was seen as a precedent for future charges against military officials accused of atrocities during Guatemala 's 36-year civil war . Guatemala 's Constitutional Court overturned the conviction of Efrain Rios Montt . Rios Montt was convicted of genocide and sentenced to 80 years . The Supreme Court ruled that he could not be tried again for crimes committed during his rule, but instead had to serve out a life sentence in prison. Human rights groups say they will appeal .
Guatemala 's Constitutional Court overturned the conviction of Efrain Rios Montt . Rios Montt was convicted of genocide and sentenced to 80 years . The Supreme Court ruled that he could not be tried again for crimes committed during his rule, but instead had to serve out a life sentence in prison. Human rights groups say they will appeal .