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However, Tuerck found the proverbial “hair in the soup”: the Public Affairs Department. The commissioner’s report explains that the Guatemalan investigative body uses criminal prosecutions in a sham way as a tool to persecute and punish political opponents and silence dissent. He called on the head of the entity, Consuelo Porras, not to use criminal investigations as a weapon to organize personal vendettas and practices. Legal battle On a large scale.
The MP’s response should not surprise anyone: the Attorney General cancelled her scheduled meeting with the Commissioner, making the ridiculous argument that too many cases come into her agency every day and she can’t waste time on meetings because it would violate the human rights of victims (the joke speaks for itself). Instead, Porras sent a report on the year’s work.
(frasepzp1)
In an age in which we live in civilization, this display of arrogance and disdain for the highest institution of cooperation between States shows that the MP authorities do not really care about the image that the country projects abroad. Even more worrying is the low regard they attach to such basic issues as due process, equality before the law and, of course, respect for human rights. The case of former prosecutor Virgina Laparra, who recently joined the long list of prosecutors, judges, journalists and activists who have gone into exile, is a clear example of how certain de facto powers related to corruption and the methods of government have been used as a tool of repression. Make the Public Ministry. Laparra’s case was particularly serious, with the criminal prosecution bordering on open torture, locking her in a tiny, windowless cellar, despite the knowledge that she suffered from claustrophobia. Another notable example is that of journalist José Rubén Zamora, to whom the MPs stubbornly refused to grant him freedom, despite the fact that the case against him seemed weak and lacked substance. This perverse approach to criminal prosecution is a disgrace to Guatemala and a badge of honor to those who suffered at the hands of the Girona building owner.
In addition to all of the above, there are the worrying photos that circulated on social networks during the week that just ended. They show Consuelo Porras at the official presentation of his agency’s elite security force. Made up of men and women in elaborate combat uniforms and carrying long weapons, the unit looks more like an extralegal paramilitary agency than a force responsible for criminal investigations. Of course, this situation raises more questions than answers. Why do members of Congress need an elite force equipped with long weapons? Is it wise for an institution that is openly hostile to the legitimate and democratically elected government of Bernardo Arevalo to have a small private army at its disposal? Is our democracy in danger?
While the country is struggling to leave behind various dark practices of its past, the authoritarian tendencies of the Public Ministry have only grown, alienating not only the government but all Guatemalans who seek change for the country. These undemocratic practices should not be tolerated, as they are a burden on the new direction the country is taking, which is becoming increasingly clear. The Public Ministry is an entity that must operate under the strictest standards of scientific criminal investigation and unfettered compliance with the law, rather than the capricious and erratic nature of the situation that has characterized it since the last two administrations. In addition to these precepts of technical excellence, members of Congress must promote a policy of transparency and inter-institutional cooperation at all levels, including openness to visits and scrutiny by high-level international entities, rather than giving the championship the cold shoulder, as happened in this case.
We must ensure that the High Commissioner for Human Rights finds a clean, effective, and highly qualified member of Parliament who will serve all Guatemalans.
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