UN warns Guatemala justice system at risk amid political pressure
A top United Nations expert has warned that Guatemala’s justice system is facing a serious threat.
This warning comes as pressure grows ahead of key judicial appointments in the country.
According to Margaret Satterthwaite, the UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Guatemala’s democratic future depends on whether its courts can remain free from political influence and whether justice is applied fairly.
During a visit to the country, Jurist News reports, she raised concerns about what she called a worrying trend of legal attacks against judges, lawyers, prosecutors, and journalists who have worked on corruption cases or defended the rule of law.
Her statement described how many of these officials have faced unfair charges, detention, or smear campaigns aimed at silencing them.
She noted that these incidents are part of a broader effort to weaken Guatemala’s justice system and stop efforts to hold powerful figures accountable.
President Bernardo Arévalo, who met with the UN expert during her visit, admitted that the judiciary still faces deep problems, including corruption and influence from political and business interests.
On his part, he promised to work toward restoring public trust and protecting judicial independence but said the process would take time and need strong international backing.
Interior Minister Francisco Jiménez also spoke with Satterthwaite and said the government is trying to better protect judges and legal workers, especially those handling sensitive cases.
He confirmed that many still face threats and legal harassment.
Concerns about political interference in Guatemala’s courts have grown in recent years. In 2022, international observers said former anti-corruption officials were being prosecuted using weak evidence, raising fears that the law was being misused to punish dissent.
Satterthwaite urged Guatemala to make its judicial appointments more open and fair and to stop targeting people who work to defend justice.
Without change, she warned, the country risks sliding further away from democracy.
