Alianza Americas is deeply concerned about the persistent persecution of human rights defenders, journalists, justice operators, students, and indigenous authorities in Guatemala. The recent case of Virginia Laparra, former head of the Special Prosecutor's Office against Impunity (FECI) in Quetzaltenango, who decided to go into exile after being convicted for the second time, illustrates the abuse of criminal law and due process by the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP). Once again, the worrisome corrupt alliance against those who fight for justice and transparency in the country is evident.
In the recent sentence, Virginia Laparra was found guilty of fully performing her duties as an anti-corruption prosecutor. This is the second conviction against her in just 18 months.
It's regrettable that the MP's Office pursues those who combat corruption or expose human rights violations. We demand that Attorney General Consuelo Porras take the necessary measures to cease this persecution immediately. This pattern of criminalization against justice operators, human rights defenders, and journalists must end.
As an organization committed to a more dignified and just life for all people in the Americas, Alianza Americas will remain vigilant against actions that distort institutions and weaken the rule of law. The impartiality and independence of the administration of justice are fundamental to ending the persecution and forced exile of justice operators in Guatemala.
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Alianza Americas is the premier transnational advocacy network of Latin American migrant-led organizations working in the United States, across the Americas, and globally to create an inclusive, equitable and sustainable way of life for communities across North, Central and South America.
