Key facts
- New Attorney General Gabriel García Luna aims to dismantle his predecessor Consuelo Porras' "repressive" legacy.
- García Luna accuses Porras of forming a "parallel government" that dismissed hundreds of prosecutors.
- Porras allegedly hindered anti-corruption efforts and attempted to block President Arévalo's inauguration.
- García Luna has begun dismissing Porras' allies and reviewing past cases.
- The U.S. and EU have offered support to García Luna's reform efforts.
Guatemala's new Attorney General, Gabriel García Luna, has pledged to dismantle the legacy of his predecessor, Consuelo Porras, whom he accuses of creating a "parallel government" that dismissed hundreds of prosecutors and hindered investigations.
García Luna stated that Porras' eight-year tenure saw the dismissal of an estimated 800 to 1,000 fiscal workers, destroying careers and impacting the investigation of crimes. He emphasized that the Public Ministry is not a political tool and vowed to prevent its misuse.
Porras, who was appointed by former presidents Jimmy Morales and Alejandro Giammattei, faces accusations of persecuting justice operators, activists, and journalists. She also allegedly attempted to block President Bernardo Arévalo's inauguration. The U.S. and EU have sanctioned Porras for obstructing anti-corruption efforts and undermining democracy, and have offered support to García Luna's reform agenda.
Since taking office 40 days ago, García Luna has begun removing Porras' allies, dismissing approximately thirty individuals for alleged misconduct such as blocking important investigations and ordering unjustified transfers. He is also reviewing cases where the prosecution allegedly benefited or allowed the release of corrupt individuals and drug traffickers, aiming to prevent impunity. García Luna has not ruled out criminal action against Porras, who faces multiple complaints, including one for alleged human trafficking. A commission is reviewing cases of alleged criminalization, and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights is scheduled to hold a hearing on August 4.