Key facts
- New Attorney General Gabriel García Luna aims to dismantle the legacy of his predecessor, Consuelo Porras.
- Porras is accused of stifling anti-corruption efforts, persecuting officials, and attempting to block President Arévalo's inauguration.
- García Luna is removing Porras' allies and reviewing cases of alleged criminalization.
- International support from the U.S. and EU has been offered to García Luna's office.
- The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights will review cases of political persecution under Porras.
Guatemala's new Attorney General Gabriel García Luna, who assumed office in May, has declared his intention to dismantle the "repressive and vengeful" administration of his predecessor, Consuelo Porras. Porras, who faced sanctions from the U.S. and other nations for allegedly obstructing anti-corruption efforts, is accused of stifling cases, persecuting justice officials, activists, and journalists, and attempting to prevent President Bernardo Arévalo's inauguration.
García Luna stated that the Public Prosecutor's Office will no longer function as a political entity or weapon. He has begun by removing Porras' trusted staff, who are accused of criminalizing and persecuting former justice officials, and has initiated a commission to review such cases. Porras has denied the accusations, asserting they infringe upon her rights.
During Porras' eight-year tenure, García Luna claimed she dismissed between 800 and 1,000 employees, effectively destroying the prosecutorial profession. He indicated that legal action may be taken against Porras and her associates, particularly concerning cases where the office allegedly facilitated the release of corrupt individuals or traffickers. These cases are reportedly being reviewed and reopened.
Former prosecutor Juan Francisco Sandoval, now in exile, echoed the call for an impartial investigation into the allegations against Porras, emphasizing the principle of equality before the law. García Luna's reform efforts have garnered international support from the U.S. and European Union countries, who have offered assistance in combating transnational crime. The Attorney General's Office is also cooperating with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which is set to review cases of alleged political persecution.