1. Home
  2. Rule of Law Lab
  3. Guatemala

Guatemala

Protesters block an access road in Guatemala City.

Guatemala has a checkered past with respect to democracy. 

High level-corruption has remained rampant. Judicial and prosecutorial independence have remained under attack, especially after the 2019 closure of the United Nations-backed International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), which exposed numerous corruption schemes. Under President Alejandro Giammattei, the justice system was weaponized to target actors who have fought against corruption and human rights abuses. Journalists and civil society members continued to face threats and harassment, forcing many of them to live in exile.

In January 2024, anti-corruption campaigner Bernardo Arévalo took office as the democratically elected president, but a “pact of the corrupt”—consisting of the attorney general, prosecutors, judges, and businessmen—continues to thwart his attempts to govern and restore the rule of law.

Above the Law: The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Guatemala

This report compiles official international findings that the MP in Guatemala, under its current leadership, engaged in serious misconduct and the abuse of power.

Read the Report
This is the cover of a report about Guatemala by the Rule of Law Lab

The Lab's Work in Guatemala

Electoral Integrity

Elections in Guatemala are considered by many to be “free but unfair.” Since Arévalo’s election, however, legal maneuvers by the incumbent administration, including measures seeking to suspend the party. Through legal analysis, documentation, and litigation, the Lab continues to highlight the pact’s misconduct and abuses of power and the need for legal reform ensuring their accountability.
 

Judicial and Prosecutorial Independence and Accountability

Since Arévalo’s election, legal maneuvers by the previous administration and its allies, as well as the Public Prosecutor’s Office under its current leadership, have sought to subvert the election results and undermine the President and his party. Through legal analysis, documentation, and litigation, the Lab continues to highlight the pact’s misconduct and abuses of power and the need for legal reform ensuring their accountability. 

The Lab is also working with the Guatemalan Bar Association to raise public awareness about the importance of merit-based and transparent selection processes for key judicial and prosecutorial positions.

All Work