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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.

 

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.

Recent Work

 

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.

Recent Work