At least three Indigenous leaders murdered; Attacks on journalists raise press freedom concerns

Introduction

IACHR warns of systematic threats to human rights defenders and journalists

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) visited Guatemala in July 2024 to examine the impacts of declining democratic institutionality and judicial independence since its last visit in 2017. This mission aimed to assess the human rights situation concerning groups historically marginalised and discriminated against, including indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, as well as to evaluate issues related to freedom of expression, citizen security and environmental rights.

The IACHR expressed concern about ongoing risks to human rights defenders and journalists, including murders, threats, harassment and criminalisation, all occurring within a context of impunity. It also noted serious obstacles for Indigenous radio stations and community journalists, who face criminal charges and judicial harassment, particularly when covering issues such as environmental degradation, land evictions and the excessive use of public force. The IACHR warned that these challenges, alongside legislative resistance to democratic reforms, hinder governance and accountability in Guatemala.

UN urges Guatemala’s new President to safeguard civic space amid rising threats to freedoms

On 13th March 2024, UN experts called on Guatemala’s newly elected President to take urgent action to protect civic space, emphasising the need for a safe environment for associations, human rights defenders, journalists and civil society. They raised concerns about civic restrictions, particularly affecting Indigenous Peoples during post-election protests, threats and harassment against activists, and media closures. The experts urged the government to ensure that national laws align with international standards, safeguarding fundamental freedoms and supporting an independent, pluralistic media landscape essential for democratic governance.

Protect the defenders: OHCHR calls for inclusive policy as attacks and protests increase

On 14th June 2024, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported 217 attacks against human rights defenders, including journalists and justice officials, marking a 39 per cent increase from 2022. These incidents encompassed killings, threats, defamation, censorship and criminalisation. Additionally, OHCHR noted a significant rise in protests, recording 243 largely peaceful demonstrations across the country—a 77.3 per cent increase from the previous year—primarily led by Indigenous groups, students and civil society demanding respect for the rule of law, electoral outcomes and freedom of expression. Finally, it recommended the development of an inclusive public policy to protect human rights defenders and swiftly implement a mechanism safeguarding journalists in collaboration with civil society organisations.

Association

Assassination and attacks against Indigenous leaders amid growing violence and forced evictions against Maya Q’eq’chi communities

On 5th June 2024, armed assailants ambushed and fatally shot José Domingo Montejo, an Indigenous human rights lawyer from the Maya Q'anjob'al community, on a rural road near Palín in the Escuintla Department. Montejo was assisting campesinos in the area with land title legalisation. The attack also seriously injured Marcelo Yaxón Pablo and Gustavo Yaxón, both active members of the Comité de Unidad Campesina (CUC), an organisation advocating for peasant rights.

According to civil society sources shared with the IACHR, the assailants did not steal property or issue prior threats, suggesting the attack was a deliberate and targeted act against José Domingo, Marcelo and Gustavo rather than a robbery or intimidation attempt.

After the attack, volunteer firefighters from Palín assisted the victims. José Domingo Montejo succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Emergency services rushed Marcelo Yaxón Pablo and Gustavo Yaxón to Villa Nueva National Hospital, where Marcelo died on 10th June 2024 due to his injuries. For safety reasons, Gustavo later moved to a private clinic for surgery and subsequently returned home.

Daniel Pascual, a leader within the CUC, characterised Montejo’s killing as a “premeditated ambush” and raised doubts about the involvement of common criminals. Pascual emphasised Montejo’s long-standing commitment to supporting CUC’s legal challenges, particularly against the criminalisation and forced eviction of campesino communities advocating for land rights

At the time of this incident, violence against Indigenous communities had escalated. On the same day, hundreds of National Civil Police personnel forcibly evicted 35 Mayan Q’eq’chi families in the Alta Verapaz Department. Earlier, on 22nd May 2024, authorities also removed Mayan Q’eq’chi families from the Buena Vista community in the Izabal Department, forcing these families to reside by the roadside in the Santa Rosita community, El Estor.

The IACHR condemned the killing and urged authorities to undertake a prompt, impartial investigation to ensure the protection of campesino organisations.

CODECA member killed

On 20th August 2024, gunmen killed Santos López Hernández, an Indigenous farmer and active member of the Peasant Development Committee (Comité de Desarrollo Campesino (CODECA), in Jalapa, approximately 100 km east of Guatemala City. CODECA reported that assailants shot López Hernández while he was working in his crop fields.

The organisation, which represents around 200,000 Guatemalans, condemned the murder and called for justice, highlighting that 29 of its members have been killed since 2018. CODECA spokesperson Leiria Vay expressed concern that these killings are intended to instil fear and discourage community organisation efforts for social change. She stated that the attacks reflect a broader strategy aimed at repressing their movement, which advocates for Indigenous rights and structural reforms in Guatemala.

Sons of Indigenous leader attacked following anti-mining efforts

On 18th April 2024, two unidentified assailants attacked Lesster Moisés and Anilson Alberto Vásquez Chacón, sons of Poqomam community leaders Francisca Chacón and Armando Vásquez, in the Cruz Blanca community of Chinautla. The attackers, masked and riding a motorcycle, stopped in front of the family’s home and shot the brothers at approximately 8:30 p.m. Both young men sustained leg injuries, and due to prior accidents affecting their mobility, they were unable to escape. Despite receiving medical assistance, Anilson Alberto, aged 16, succumbed to his injuries.

The Vásquez family, known for their community advocacy, has actively opposed local mining and clay extraction operations, particularly those conducted by companies lacking valid licences. In 2022, Armando Vásquez, along with other community leaders, protested these extractive industries, citing environmental degradation and infrastructure damage in their community. Two months prior to the attack, on 9th February, a truck from the La Primavera clay extraction company seriously injured Anilson, heightening tensions within the community.

Peace Brigades International (PBI) expressed concern and called for urgent attention to the situation in Chinautla, specifically advocating for protective measures for the Vásquez family and members of the Chinautla Multisector Urban Platform. PBI also requested a thorough investigation into these events and coordinated efforts with the family to ensure their safety.

Community leader targeted with threats after questioning dredging along Machacas River

On 25th February 2024, Sandra Portela—president of the Development Alternatives for Youth and Women organisation (Alternativas de Desarrollo para las Juventudes y Mujeres, ADEJUM) in Izabal—began receiving threats while working in Machacas village near Puerto Barrios. During her visit, she observed a company conducting construction along the Machacas River, possibly engaging in dredging activities, which raised her concerns. Residents, mistakenly believing she had filed an anonymous complaint about the dredging, confronted her with warnings, stating she “didn’t know who she was dealing with.” They referenced people involved in the construction and land-related activities along the river.

The following day, Portela reported the incident to the Ministry of Environment’s office in Izabal, where officials arranged a conciliation session between her and the residents. Nevertheless, tensions escalated on 14th March when community members informed Portela that unknown men had been inquiring about her activities and personal details. Witnesses described these men as arriving in a beige pickup truck and being visibly armed. Although Portela had previously noticed this vehicle, she had not initially considered it a concern.

Later that evening, after Portela was elected as community mayor during a local assembly at the Machacas school, gunfire erupted nearby. On 18th March, while she was engaged in her community work, Portela received a call confirming that armed men in two separate vehicles were searching for her in different locations.

On 31st July 2024, Frontline Defenders condemned the threats against Portela for her efforts in exposing environmental harm to the river in Puerto Barrios, Izabal: “Guatemalan authorities must address her reports and ensure her safety.”

Sandra Portela, a Xinka human rights defender, feminist and healer from Guatemala, supports suicide prevention in the LGBTQI+ community and environmental protection. She also empowers women, leads community initiatives, and addresses gender and environmental issues through education and advocacy.

Peasant leaders detained on alleged political motive

On 12th July 2024, authorities detained Esteban Mauricio Rivas, a member of the Highland Peasant Committee (Comité Campesino del Altiplano, CCDA) from the Nueva Esperanza community. Police apprehended Rivas on charges of aggravated usurpation and transferred him to Pavoncito prison in Fraijanes. His detention occurs amid ongoing tensions over land rights in the region, where the Nueva Esperanza community has endured four forced evictions, the most recent on 28th November 2023, under the administration of then-President Alejandro Giammattei.

The CCDA, which reports 56 outstanding arrest warrants against community members, condemned Rivas’s detention and called for his immediate release, asserting that the evictions and detentions are politically motivated measures intended to hinder progress on resolving agrarian conflicts.

A month later, on 28th August 2024, nine leaders from the Nueva Esperanza community in Barberena, Santa Rosa, were also detained on charges of aggravated usurpation. These detentions stem from allegations by the purported owners of the Cerro Redondo estate, who claimed that the community members have unlawfully occupied their property.

Criminalisation of a former CICIG official and an anti-corruption prosecutor

On 18th March 2024, Judge Jimi Bremer, sanctioned by the United States for alleged corruption, ordered former International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) official Claudia González to stand trial on charges of purported abuse of authority. The judge alleged that González may have engaged in irregularities in an investigation involving former Supreme Court Justice Blanca Stalling, accused of influence peddling to protect her son from criminal charges.

González, who spent 82 days in pre-trial detention in 2023, has described the case as a “political vendetta” linked to her anti-corruption work. She argued that the charges, typically applicable to public officials, are misapplied, as she did not occupy a government role. González highlighted procedural anomalies in her case, including a delayed initial hearing and subsequent closed hearings.

The complainant, former judge Blanca Stalling, previously faced accusations after being recorded attempting to influence a case outcome involving her son. Although Congress lifted Stalling’s immunity in 2017, she subsequently filed a complaint against CICIG officials involved in her prosecution, including González. As a result, in August 2023, authorities detained González without providing case details, which remain classified under judicial secrecy. Since November 2023, González has been under house arrest pending the outcome of the legal proceedings against her.

González, an experienced human rights lawyer with over 24 years in practice, has defended numerous clients targeted for anti-corruption activities. In 2023, she received recognition from Lawyers for Lawyers for her dedication to defending human rights. As a former CICIG official, González managed high-profile cases, including investigations into parallel commissions, phantom payrolls and judicial misconduct.

On 8th July 2024, a court in Quetzaltenango convicted former anti-corruption prosecutor Virginia Laparra, sentencing her to five years’ imprisonment (commutable) and a fine of 50,000 quetzales (USD 6,500) on charges of revealing confidential information. This controversial verdict, handed down by Judge Moisés de León, marks Laparra’s second conviction in recent years.

In 2022, a separate court sentenced her to four years in prison in another high-profile case, accusing her of reporting a judge without the proper authority. The judge disqualified her from holding public office for ten years and imposed conditions allowing her to remain under house arrest if she paid a daily commutable rate. As previously reported, since January 2024, she has been under house arrest following nearly two years in preventive detention.

After the verdict, she criticised the Guatemalan judiciary, affirming that she acted within the law. “I acted in adherence to the law. I may be twice convicted, but my dignity remains intact,” she stated.

International condemnation has followed Laparra’s conviction, with Amnesty International designating her a “prisoner of conscience” since 2022 and asserting that her prosecution reflects broader persecution against anti-corruption figures in Guatemala:

“Today’s conviction is unfortunately yet another example of the political persecution by the Judiciary and the Public Prosecutor’s Office of those involved in efforts to fight corruption, and of the lack of due process guarantees for such persons. Amnesty International will continue to demand that all charges against former prosecutor Laparra be dropped,” said Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International.

Laparra’s conviction is widely seen as part of an ongoing trend of criminalising anti-corruption officials.

Save the Children raided

On 25th April 2024, authorities raided the offices of Save the Children in Guatemala City as part of an investigation into alleged child abuse. The Prosecutor’s Office, led by controversial prosecutor Rafael Curruchiche, conducted the operation in coordination with national police, seizing evidence without prior notice to the organisation. Curruchiche, sanctioned by the United States for obstructing anti-corruption efforts, stated that the raid was part of a “transnational investigation” and that Guatemalan authorities had requested support from Texas officials, citing concerns about potential abuse and trafficking of children at shelters in Texas.

Save the Children, which has operated in Guatemala since 1976, denied the allegations, affirming that it has never facilitated the movement of children out of the country. The organisation expressed shock over the search, highlighting its longstanding commitment to child protection, health, education and humanitarian aid, especially for migrant children: “We have protected children from any abuse of their rights. We do not - and we have never - facilitated the movement of children out of Guatemala.”

Guatemalan anti-corruption activists viewed this inquiry as politically motivated, noting the country’s record of targeting nonprofit organisations under prior administrations.

UDEFEGUA's 2023 report on human rights defenders

The 2023 report by Guatemala’s Unit for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (Unidad de Protección a Defensoras y Defensores de Derechos Humanos en Guatemala, UDEFEGUA) highlighted a significant escalation in violence and repression faced by human rights defenders, judicial figures and journalists. This surge occurred amidst a climate of state capture and heightened political tension surrounding the 2023 election period.

According to UDEFEGUA, 9,496 incidents were documented in 2023, contributing to 15,127 aggressions recorded during the administration of former President Alejandro Giammattei (2020-2023). This recent spike marks an all-time high, with physical and digital harassment impacting defenders and their families, communities and allied organisations. The environment for activism has become markedly hostile, with rights defenders facing sustained threats to their safety and capacity to work.

UDEFEGUA’s findings suggest that criminal networks have compromised state institutions, including the judiciary and the Prosecutor’s Office, using them as mechanisms of political suppression. Increasingly, legal measures have been employed to target those challenging corruption and impunity, severely undermining public access to fair judicial proceedings.

The electoral cycle in 2023 exacerbated these challenges, with notable peaks in hostility coinciding with key election milestones. Forms of intimidation reported include harassment, defamation, stigmatisation and death threats, contributing to a pervasive climate of fear. This intimidation has especially impacted defenders of justice, press freedom and indigenous rights, stifling civic participation.

Criminalisation remained central to the strategy against defenders, with coordinated efforts by private and state actors to vilify human rights work. By framing human rights work as subversive, such efforts aim to dismantle movements advocating for accountability and transparency. This systematic approach is viewed as a strategy to neutralise opposition to entrenched corruption and authoritarian practices within Guatemala.

Expression

Journalists targeted

During the reported period, a recent series of incidents highlights threats against journalists in Guatemala, including arbitrary detention, physical attacks, and harassment by authorities. Some of these cases are summarised below:

• On 6th April, authorities arbitrarily detained journalist Jorge Tizol of the digital outlet Notiretalteco while he was livestreaming a raid in Retalhuleu. The lead prosecutor accused Tizol of trespassing on private property and obstructing the investigation, resulting in his immediate detention. Police confiscated his mobile phone and motorcycle. During the incident, Tizol experienced a health issue and was transferred to the National Hospital under police custody. Despite complying with PNC officers’ orders to leave the scene, authorities detained him. After reviewing footage from his livestream, his legal team found no evidence of interference with the authorities’ work.

• On 23rd April, two men attacked community journalist Marvín Alexander Pérez Ventura, affiliated with Cultura Visión-Canal 5 in Comitancillo, San Marcos, and Prensa Comunitaria, as he returned home after covering the inauguration of a community project in Los Bujes. The assailants inflicted serious neck injuries on Pérez. Bystanders transported him to the local health centre and later transferred him to the San Marcos National Hospital for emergency surgery due to the severity of his injuries. Attorney Mercedes García, who had represented Pérez, reported significant delays in the official response. Although protocol requires the Ministry of Health and the PNC to coordinate immediately in such cases, García encountered obstacles at the Prosecutor’s Office, where she waited nearly three hours to report the incident.
• On 26th April, Deputy Oswaldo Rosales of the Vamos party confronted journalists Abel Reyna and Roderico Valdez while they covered President Bernardo Arévalo’s visit to Suchitepéquez. Valdez reported that Rosales confronted him physically and verbally, while Reyna documented the incident on his phone. Rosales then forcibly took Reyna’s phone and deleted the footage. The journalists filed a complaint with the Prosecutor’s Office for Crimes Against Journalists and requested support from the Association of Journalists of Guatemala (APG).

Congressman files slander complaint against journalist, bypassing legal procedures

On 24th May, Congressman Allan Rodríguez from the Vamos party filed a complaint against Font, director of ConCriterio, alleging slander over the dissemination of a purportedly false story through multiple media outlets. The Metropolitan Prosecutor’s Office accepted the complaint, despite slander being a private action offence typically outside its jurisdiction, and the investigation is ongoing.

According to legal experts, Rodríguez did not follow the appropriate legal procedure. Guatemala’s Free Expression of Thought Law requires a complainant to first request a right of reply. The law also provides a structured approach for addressing publications that allegedly harm an individual’s reputation. If Rodríguez’s complaint does not pertain to his public functions, he should have pursued it through a private legal channel, bypassing the MP.

Font, an investigative journalist with over 30 years of experience, has faced similar complaints in the past from public figures, including Manuel Baldizón, Alejandro Sinibaldi and former Congressman Carlos Herrera, following his reports on corruption. Font noted that Guatemala’s legal framework clearly outlines procedures for handling such complaints, though some officials continue to direct these matters to criminal courts. “The Free Expression of Thought regime defines the procedures to follow, yet politicians repeatedly attempt to bring these complaints into the criminal realm,” Font stated.

Font has lived in exile since 2022 due to criminal charges filed by former Communications Minister Alejandro Sinibaldi, who accused him of illicit association. This case remains under investigation by the Special Prosecutor’s Office against Impunity (FECI), led by Rafael Curruchiche, in relation to alleged money laundering.

Controversial proposal to regulate media criticism

On 9th June 2024, attorney Julio Velásquez, representing the Guatemalan Bar Association and Notaries (Colegio de Abogados y Notarios de Guatemala) on the nominating commission responsible for selecting appellate court judges, introduced a regulatory proposal aimed at implementing “appropriate measures against attacks or public statements by the media directed at commission members.”

The proposed regulation includes an article suggesting that “appropriate measures should be adopted against attacks or public statements directed at commission members by the media.” The article also states: “Public and private entities that appointed or elected commission members and have media outlets or affiliates should respect the work, integrity and dignity of the Nominating Commission members.”

Velásquez denied any intent to restrict press freedom but maintained that “regulation is necessary.” He explained to various media outlets, “It’s about regulation, to prevent confusion in the media. You [journalists] have a Human Rights-protected activity, but there are also ‘netcenters’ posing as the press.”

The “We Will not Be Silent” collective (Colectivo No Nos Callarán) argued that the proposed article contravenes Article 35 of the Guatemalan Constitution, which safeguards freedom of expression and prohibits restrictions through law or regulation: “Any attempt to limit journalistic work, censor publications, or restrict investigations into the selection process for the high courts sets a dangerous precedent and represents a clear violation of constitutional rights.”

Constitutional Court classifies magistrates’ security details, raising transparency concerns

On 24th June 2024, the Constitutional Court of Guatemala (CC) issued Resolution 1-2024, designating specific information related to the security of its magistrates as classified. The resolution restricts access to details about the security arrangements for the court’s primary magistrates, including the identities of security personnel, descriptions of their weapons and vehicle assignments. The classified documents encompass inventory records from the Financial Directorate’s Inventory Department and security logs detailing various personnel assignments and equipment specifics.

The CC justified this decision by citing a recent increase in threats against its magistrates, which prompted requesting precautionary measures before the IACHR. However, Guatemala’s Prosecutor’s Office has not confirmed any active investigations into threats against magistrates, though the Ministry of the Interior acknowledged providing special protection for magistrates Leyla Lemus and Rony López.

This decision, effective for seven years, has raised concerns among journalists. Critics argued that restricting public access to such information limits transparency, potentially affecting both journalistic activities and the public’s right to information. They contend that this move represents a setback in Guatemala’s efforts to uphold freedom of expression and access to information, particularly given the challenging environment for journalists in the country.

Constitutional Court allows LGBTQI+ pride parade with restrictions

On 28th June 2024, the CC granted an injunction to lawyer Roberto Antonio Cano López, who petitioned to block the 2024 LGBTQI+ and Gender Identity Pride Parade, scheduled for 29th June. López argued that the parade promotes “immoral, sexual and depraved scenes, contrary to the moral and comprehensive development of children, encouraging early hypersexualisation.”

While the ruling does not ban the celebration of International LGBTQI+ Pride Day, it imposes specific restrictions. These restrictions include a ban on activities deemed to “endanger children’s rights” and an advisory to exercise caution for those responsible for the physical and emotional safety of minors. The resolution urges parade organisers and participants to respect social harmony and protect people, families, children, public order and human rights, encouraging a peaceful exercise of rights “in accordance with good customs” and avoidance of activities that may conflict with Guatemala’s constitutional and legal framework.

Peaceful Assembly

Protesters call on Arévalo to honour campaign promises

On 10th July 2024, hundreds of farmers, organised by CODECA, protested in Guatemala city to demand President Bernardo Arévalo’s administration fulfil campaign promises, including the dismissal of Attorney General Consuelo Porras and a reduction in the cost of basic goods. The protesters, waving white flags with CODECA’s emblem, gathered in front of the National Palace, criticising the government for focusing on other sectors while neglecting the needs of vulnerable communities.

CODECA leaders, including Thelma Cabrera and former congresswoman Vicenta Jerónimo, voiced frustration over unaddressed demands, hinting at the potential for further protests. Their requests also included the resignation of key judicial officials, such as Rafael Curruchiche and Judge Fredy Orellana, whom they accuse of criminalising political opposition and journalists.

Attorney General Porras, who has faced U.S. and EU sanctions for allegedly undermining democracy, remains in office despite Arévalo’s campaign promise to remove her. Legal challenges have prevented her dismissal, and her office continues to investigate government critics, including members of Arévalo’s Movimiento Semilla party and the Supreme Electoral Tribunal.