US bars Guatemala prosecutors and judge from obtaining visas amid election dispute

[Judi Lynn]

Joshua Villanueva | UC Law San Francisco, US
DECEMBER 22, 2023 11:28:53 AM

The US on Thursday added to its list of individuals barred from obtaining US visas three Guatemalan prosecutors and a judge who had been actively pursuing Guatemalan President-elect Bernardo Arevalo on corruption charges. Arevalo’s rise to the presidency and campaign on anti-corruption have faced numerous challenges, including attempts to obstruct his upcoming inauguration on January 14.

The US State Department’s action is part of its annual report to Congress on corruption in Central America. The report points out that all four individuals engaged in activities to undermine democratic processes and institutions. They are accused of orchestrating politically motivated investigations aimed at casting doubt on certified election outcomes, ultimately disrupting the presidential transition. Those on the blacklist will not longer be eligible for US visas, and any current visas will be revoked.

Among those on the blacklist is prosecutor Leonor Morales, who, during a press conference on December 8, declared the elections “null and void” since “they were not authorized” initially by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk immediately raised concern that the announcement “aimed at nullifying the outcome of the general elections and questioning the constitution and existence of the Movimiento Semilla party are extremely disturbing.”

Despite the turmoil, Arevalo told the AFP he has “no doubt” his inauguration will proceed as planned. He is determined to fight corruption “without fear.”

https://www.jurist.org/news/2023/12/us-bars-guatemala-prosecutors-and-judge-from-obtaining-visas-amid-election-dispute/