EXILED JUDGE REVEALS JUDICIAL INJUSTICE IN GUATEMALA

In an explosive interview, Judge Gloria Aifán revealed that she was forced to flee Guatemala after being subjected to a campaign of harassment and intimidation by powerful forces.

A Campaign of Harassment and Intimidation

As a 14-year veteran judge, Aifán claimed that the presiding judge in her case attempted to rewrite court records to exclude key aspects of her testimony, and that her requests for public hearings were denied. She alleged that she was subjected to online harassment and intimidation by far-right trolls, and was threatened with physical harm if she did not resign from her position.

A Broader Issue of Corruption and Political Interference

Aifán’s allegations come as Guatemala continues to grapple with widespread corruption and political interference in the judiciary. The country has seen a wave of attacks on judges and prosecutors who have spoken out against corruption, with many forced into exile or arrested on trumped-up charges.

Supporting Claims

Several other judges and prosecutors have also been forced into exile or arrested on trumped-up charges. In March, former Attorney General Thelma Aldana was a leading candidate for the presidency before she faced an opposition campaign tied to her anti-corruption work.

The US Response

The US government has imposed sanctions on several Guatemalan officials accused of corruption and human rights abuses, including current President Alejandro Giammattei. Despite this, Guatemala’s political elite continues to maintain their grip on power, using intimidation and violence to silence those who speak out against corruption.

A Stark Reminder of the Dangers Faced by Judges and Prosecutors

Aifán’s story is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by judges and prosecutors in Guatemala who dare to challenge the status quo. As the country struggles to rebuild its justice system, it is clear that much work remains to be done to protect the rule of law and hold accountable those who have abused their power.

• Key points:
  • Judge Gloria Aifán was forced to flee Guatemala due to a campaign of harassment and intimidation by powerful forces.
  • She alleged that her requests for public hearings were denied, and that her testimony was excluded from court records.
  • The US government has imposed sanctions on several Guatemalan officials accused of corruption and human rights abuses.
  • Despite these efforts, Guatemala’s political elite continues to maintain their grip on power using intimidation and violence.