The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) expressed strong concern over reports from the United States indicating increasing retaliation, intimidation, and politically motivated actions against justice officials. According to the Commission, recent statements and measures by state authorities appear to target prosecutors and public servants for carrying out their professional duties or for their perceived political affiliations.
The IACHR warns that dismissals, public threats, and directives to pursue specific individuals undermine judicial independence and violate due process standards. These practices, the Commission notes, can create a climate of fear within the justice system, weaken public trust, and erode the rule of law.
Reaffirming international human rights norms, the IACHR emphasizes that disciplinary actions against justice officials must never be based on their legal opinions or decisions. All administrative or disciplinary processes must respect legality, impartiality, and due process.
The Commission calls on the United States to ensure that justice-sector personnel can perform their duties without political interference, intimidation, or discrimination, and urges the prevention of any misuse of criminal law for retaliatory purposes. The IACHR also underscores the need for employment decisions in the public sector to rely solely on transparent, merit-based criteria.
Finally, the IACHR highlights the United States’ long-standing commitment to democratic values and reiterates its readiness to maintain dialogue and monitor developments as part of its human rights mandate.