The growing number of criminal cases brought against justice officials over the past 12 months in Guatemala is seriously concerning and undermines the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law in the country.

The intimidation, harassment, prosecution and persecution of those fighting for accountability for human rights violations, including work on corruption cases, is reprehensible and must stop.

I note that Virginia Laparra, a former anti-corruption prosecutor at the Attorney General’s Office, who was released from jail this week remains under house arrest. I am concerned that the criminal proceedings against her lacked due process guarantees and her nearly two-year detention was arbitrary in consequence. She should be released unconditionally.

I reiterate my call on the authorities to take appropriate measures to strengthen and guarantee the independence of the justice system, and to take urgent measures to provide the necessary protection to justice officials.