STATEMENT 017 | Photo: CICIG.

Considering the precautionary measures established against prosecutors Juan Francisco Sandoval Alfaro and Andrei Vladimir Gonzalez Arteaga of the Special Prosecutor’s Office against Impunity (Fiscalía Especial contra la Impunidad,FECI) of the Attorney General’s Office (MinisterioPúblico, MP), the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala expresses its full support to the work they perform, and its concern over the actions of people who are directly involved in CICIG investigations, and who seek to limit the Prosecutor’s Office actions.

CICIG warns about the incorrect use of Decrees 97-96: “Law to prevent, punish and eradicate domestic violence” and 22-2008: “Law against Femicide and other forms of violence against women” to restrict their role.

MP officials should carry out their activities with total independence, without pressures of any kind and with no restriction to their freedom of work.

It is noted with concern that the legal nature of the above laws is distorted with intimidation toward the MP. We emphasize that these regulationsare intended to address the profound social scourge of gender-based violence in Guatemala.

CICIG continues to support the strengthening of the MP and calls on all national stakeholders to promote the independence and safeguard the security of all justice operators, essential pillars of the Rule of Law.