Guatemalan prosecutor's office targets justice operators with criminal law

In Guatemala, a United Nations expert raised serious concerns regarding the actions of the country's prosecutor's office following a two-week visit. Margaret Satterthwaite, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, conducted meetings with various legal stakeholders, including judges and lawyers, to assess the situation. She concluded that the Prosecutor General's Office is increasingly weaponizing criminal law against individuals, including former prosecutors, defense attorneys, and journalists, who have sought to uphold human rights and combat corruption. Satterthwaite's preliminary report highlighted a systematic pattern of intentional violations of fundamental rights targeting specific groups. This misuse of legal authority has reportedly resulted in more than 60 justice operators and human rights lawyers facing criminal charges. Furthermore, many of these individuals have been subjected to digital harassment, threats, and have been forced into exile due to the escalating scrutiny and persecution they receive. The office, led by Consuelo Porras, has faced international scrutiny, having been sanctioned by the United States and others for alleged obstruction of corruption investigations. Following Satterthwaite's discussions with Porras and her team, they denied allegations of targeting opponents or misusing criminal law and claimed to be victims of attacks themselves. This response further emphasizes the complexity of the legal and political landscape in Guatemala, where ongoing struggles against corruption and impunity continue to manifest in threats and legal reprisals. The situation has drawn attention not only from international bodies but also from human rights advocates who are increasingly alarmed by the deteriorating conditions for legal professionals and activists in the country. Satterthwaite's observations during her visit underscore the urgent need for reforms that protect judicial independence and support the rights of those who fight for justice in Guatemala.