Archive · 24 May 2025
UN Expert: Guatemalan Prosecutors Allegedly Criminalizing Opponents
Imagine a country where the people in charge of justice are accused of using the law to go after their enemies.
A UN expert visited Guatemala and found evidence that this is happening.
The expert said the prosecutor's office is using criminal charges against people who are trying to fight corruption or defend human rights.
The prosecutor's office denies these claims, saying they are acting within the law.
More than 60 people in the justice system have faced criminal charges, and over 50 have been forced to leave the country.
The country's president agrees with the UN expert and wants the prosecutor to step down.
UN expert warns Guatemala's prosecutor is using criminal law against opponents.
Expert met with judges, lawyers, and chief prosecutor during two-week visit.
Report alleges a pattern of targeting specific groups by the prosecutor.
The prosecutor's office denies allegations, rejecting 'criminalization' claims.
Over 60 justice operators have been charged; over 50 fled the country.
- Who
- UN Special Rapporteur Margaret Satterthwaite and the Guatemalan Prosecutor's Office
- What
- UN expert warned about the use of criminal law against opponents by Guatemala's prosecutor's office.
- When
- Reported on Friday after a two-week visit.
- Where
- Guatemala
- Why
- To investigate allegations of misuse of criminal law against judges, lawyers, and others.
UN Expert and President
Guatemalan Prosecutor's Office
Use of Criminal Law
UN Expert and President
UN expert: Prosecutor's office is using criminal law to target opponents.
Guatemalan Prosecutor's Office
Prosecutor's Office: Actions are based on serious, objective investigations within the legal framework.
Persecution Claims
UN Expert and President
UN Expert: Persecution appears to be intensifying against those fighting corruption.
Guatemalan Prosecutor's Office
Prosecutor's Office: Rejects the idea of a "criminalization of sectors."
- UN Expert
- Margaret Satterthwaite
- Location
- Guatemala
- Prosecutor's Office Head
- Consuelo Porras
- Justice Operators Charged
- Over 60
- Justice Operators in Exile
- Over 50
- Expert's Visit Duration
- Two weeks
