José Rubén Zamora, dans une mêlée de presse lors d'une audience.
In Guatemala, press freedom is seriously threatened amid a growing human rights crisis that undermines the foundations of democracy. Journalists, along with former prosecutors, lawyers, and human rights defenders, face persecution and repression for exposing corruption and abuses of power. In this context, independent journalism stands as a crucial bulwark for transparency and government accountability.
Threats against press freedom and state capture
Brave journalists like José Rubén Zamora, founder of elPeriódico, have faced persecution and repression for exposing corruption and abuses of power. The situation is part of a broader context of state capture by various political, military, and economic groups, some with ties to criminal organizations. This capture has severely weakened democratic institutions and the rule of law, creating an environment conducive to impunity and corruption.
The Attorney General has been criticized for eroding fundamental freedoms in Guatemala. Under her tenure, journalists, prosecutors, lawyers, and human rights defenders have been criminalized and forced into exile to avoid retaliation for their work. This is the case of Virginia Laparra and Claudia González, who were apprehended in procedures referring to reprisals for their participation in the investigation of significant corruption cases during the period of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (Cicig).
Challenges for the new government
Despite the change of government after the 2023 elections, the future of Guatemala is uncertain. While Bernardo Arévalo, the president-elect, enjoys strong popular support, his influence over the factual powers is limited. Additionally, his political party, the Semilla Movement, has a modest presence in the Congress of the Republic, posing significant challenges for his administration.
A call to action
In this context, independent journalism stands as a crucial bulwark for transparency and government accountability, at a time when fundamental freedoms are under threat. The situation of human rights and press freedom in Guatemala requires urgent attention, both nationally and internationally, to ensure respect for democratic principles and the protection of the fundamental rights of all citizens.
Lawyers without Borders Canada supports law firms and civil society organizations contributing to building a fairer, more equitable, and democratic Guatemala and advocates with state bodies to bring about necessary changes.