Guatemala - May 2023
"El Periodico” newspaper shuts down after prosecution of journalists and harassment
Local newspaper “El Periodico” published its last edition in May, after targeted prosecutions against its journalists, including against founder, Jose Ruben Zamora. Prosecutors and other government officials have accused Zamora of money laundering and members of the media organization of obstructing justice by publishing articles on the trial of the newspaper’s founder. Press freedom advocates and human rights organizations have condemned what they characterize as retaliation for the critical coverage by “El Periodico” of President Giamattei’s administration. The Interamerican Press Society has condemned actions against press freedom in Guatemala and the prosecutor’s particularly harsh determinations against Zamora, including a request for 40 years imprisonment.
