Mr. Türk warning to the middle Report harassment and prosecute judicial officials involving the United Nations-backed International Commission against Sanctions (CICIG), including, most recently, former Commissioner Francisco Dall’Anese.
The UN rights chief called on the Guatemalan authorities “to ensure judges and lawyers can operate freely and without fear of reprisal“. He stressed that an independent judiciary is “vital” for a democratic society.
The International Commission against Punishment is an independent body established under the 2007 United Nations-Guatemala agreement to carry out corruption investigations. Its work ceased in September 2019 when its mandate was not renewed amid attacks by then-President Jimmy Morales.
forbid standing
Mr. Türk also warned about the possibility violation of the right to participate in public serviceas the candidates of several presidential and vice presidential candidates for the upcoming June election were rejected by the election authorities.
“I am also concerned that presidential and vice presidential candidates from across the political spectrum, including Thelma Cabrera, Jordan Rodas and Roberto Arzú, have had candidates for the June 25 election are rejected by the Electoral Court on seemingly arbitrary reasons,” said the High Commissioner.
Thelma Cabrera was the only native candidate running for president until a decision was made to remove her from the race. Appeals on all three cases are currently being brought before the Supreme Court.
Judicial independence at risk
Mr. Türk emphasized that “the right to participate in public affairs, including the right to vote and stand for office, is a internationally recognized human rights,” adding that judicial authorities should “determine matters before them impartially, on a factual basis and in accordance with the law, without any restriction or inappropriate influence“.
Earlier this year, the head of UN rights sound the alarm about similar reprisals in Guatemala, when the Office of the Special Prosecutor Against Immunity issued warrants for the arrest of three judicial officials, including a former CICIG employee.
Volker Türk, High Commissioner for Human Rights speaks to the high council every two years on the death penalty.
Increasing harassment
When present his report on Guatemala arrive Dong Nhan Quyen Association in March, Mr. Türk pointed out that between 2021 and 2022, his office has recorded a more than 70 percent increase among judicial officials facing intimidation and criminal charges in the country.
Harassment related to the work of officials on corruption or human rights violations, especially those that occurred in the context of the civil war from 1960 to 1996. Some have left the country, fearing for their safety.
Guatemala’s human rights record was examined in January 2023 by the Universal Periodic Review. A substantial number of recommendations made as part of that process, by other Member States, are related to the need to ensure judicial independence, protect judicial officials, and strengthen anti-corruption measures and the rule of law.
