Rigoberta Menchu Says 'Narco-Terrorist' Label Replaced 'Communist' as Label for Latin American Left

Rigoberta Menchu said the term "narco-terrorist" has been weaponized to crush left-wing opposition in Latin America, replacing the word "communist" used in earlier decades. The 67-year-old law professor made the remarks in an interview issued by AFP on June 13, 2026. She spoke while visiting Guatemala for the launch of the Guatemala Book Fair.

Menchu survived the massacre of her family during Guatemala's civil war and is based in Mexico. She said she still sees the United Nations as the primary body for resolving conflicts. "I don't see any other body that could replace the UN," she said, adding that "it's the only thing we've got" despite its flaws.

Menchu also addressed the Israeli offensive on Iran, which she said has ravaged the Middle East since its launch in February. "What they're doing in Iran is opening such an incredible door that we don't know how many victims it will claim around the entire world," Menchu said.