The retired colonel convicted of the murder of a Guatemalan bishop is to be freed having served 11 years of a 20-year sentence.

Bishop Juan Gerardian auxiliary in Guatemala City, was killed in his refectory in 1998 two days after his commission reported the army had been responsible for the majority of thousands of human rights abuses committed during the 1960-96 civil war.

Byron Lima Estrada stated he was "innocent" of the bishop's killing. He said: "I am a victim in this case. I was a victim of the system."

Early release applications for his son, Byron Lima Oliva, and the bishop's assistant, Fr Mario Orantes, who were both also convicted for their roles in the murder, have been rejected.

Above: A woman holds a candle and a sign with an image of Auxiliary Bishop Juan Gerardi Conedera outside St Sebastian Church to commemorate the 14th anniversary of his death in Guatemala City earlier this year. Photo: CNS/Jorge Dan Lopez, Reuters