A United Nations expert has raised concerns over the growing use of criminal law by Guatemala’s Prosecutor General’s Office to target opponents of the current justice system. Margaret Satterthwaite, the UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, reported that former prosecutors, judges, human rights defenders, and journalists are increasingly facing criminal charges, threats, and harassment.
Her preliminary findings suggest a pattern of political persecution, especially against those who have fought corruption or defended human rights. Over 60 individuals have been charged, and more than 50 justice officials forced into exile. The prosecutor’s office, led by Consuelo Porras—sanctioned by the U.S. for obstructing anti-corruption efforts—denies these accusations and claims to act within the law.
Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo supports the UN’s assessment and has unsuccessfully urged Porras to resign.