Guatemala - August 2022

Renowned journalist José Rubén Zamora, founder of El Periodico newspaper and an outspoken critic of government, has been arrested for money laundering and blackmail. The journalist and his family argue the charges are part of a retaliation against him for his criticism of President Alejandro Giammattei, and his arrest occurs in a context of repression of dissent, including harassment of journalists and public officials with opposing views. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has expressed concern for these events, including attacks against freedom of expression online, and has called upon the government to ensure that freedom of expression can be exercised without undue restrictions. United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, has expressed concern for the wellbeing of Zamora.

Sources: El Pais, infobae, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, The Washington Post