Human Rights Watch has addressed a letter to Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, expressing concern over the situation in Guatemala. The organization is urging the EU to expand its sanctions under the Guatemalan restrictive measures framework due to what it describes as politically motivated prosecutions led by Attorney General Consuelo Porras.
The letter highlights recent events involving Luis Pacheco and Héctor Chaclán, who were detained on April 23 by Guatemalan police. Prosecutors accused them of serious crimes, including terrorism, linked to their participation in peaceful protests during Guatemala’s 2023 general elections. “We appreciated the European Union’s public statement in response to the detention,” Human Rights Watch stated.
During an April 23 news conference, prosecutors claimed that charges against Pacheco and Chaclán stemmed from unspecified criminal complaints related to street blockades during protests. Despite a lack of evidence supporting terrorism charges, Judge Carol Patricia Flores ordered pretrial detention for both individuals on April 25.
The letter further outlines broader efforts led by Attorney General Porras targeting officials from President Bernardo Arévalo’s administration with politically motivated charges. Human Rights Watch notes at least 17 investigations initiated against high-level government officials and multiple attempts by the Attorney General’s Office to strip President Arévalo of his immunity.
Additionally, concerns are raised about ongoing spurious criminal charges against independent journalists and legal professionals. José Rubén Zamora, founder of elPeriódico, and anti-corruption prosecutor Stuardo Campo remain imprisoned under such circumstances.
Human Rights Watch calls for expanded EU sanctions against senior officials deemed responsible for undermining democracy in Guatemala. These include Felipe Alejos Lorenzana and Alvaro Arzú Escobar among others involved in actions perceived as threats to judicial independence or political stability.
Furthermore, Human Rights Watch urges sustained monitoring of human rights conditions in Guatemala while advocating increased support for independent media and civil society organizations defending democratic principles. They emphasize reminding Guatemalan authorities that respect for democratic principles is essential under the EU-Central America Association Agreement.
Philippe Dam and Juanita Goebertus from Human Rights Watch conclude by offering their availability should there be any questions regarding this matter.
