Background and Context
Guatemala’s Foreign Minister, Carlos Martínez, has raised concerns about a “technical coup” against President Bernardo Arévalo during a session at the Organization of American States (OAS). This accusation comes amidst intense judicial attacks from the prosecutor’s office, led by controversial Procurator General Consuelo Porras.
President Arévalo’s Allegations
On Sunday, President Arévalo denounced another attempt at a “technical coup,” following a court order from Judge Porras’ request. The judge instructed the electoral tribunal to annul the president’s political party, Semilla, which Arévalo believes is an attempt to disregard his electoral victory in 2023.
Martínez’s Statement at the OAS
During the OAS session, Martínez highlighted the ongoing “technical coup” attempts in Guatemala under the guise of a “legal warfare” or ‘lawfare.’ He emphasized that this situation represents an abuse of judicial institutions, cloaking itself in apparent legality.
Martínez also stressed that “no institution is above the will of the people,” and thus, they condemn the use of ‘lawfare’ as a tool to delegitimize elected governments.
International Support for Arévalo
Several OAS member countries have expressed their support for President Arévalo, who faces a new offensive from Porras’ prosecutor’s office. Both the United States and the European Union have sanctioned Porras’ office, deeming it “corrupt” and “antidemocratic.”
Judicial Developments
Guatemala’s Constitutional Court, the highest judicial body, reaffirmed on Wednesday the validity of Arévalo’s electoral victory and his presidency.
However, the prosecutor’s office subsequently requested that the Court of Justice withdraw Arévalo’s immunity to investigate him for allegedly failing his duties due to the escape of 20 leaders from the Barrio 18 gang, labeled a “terrorist” organization by both the US and Guatemala.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is a “technical coup”? A “technical coup” refers to an attempt to destabilize or undermine a democratically elected government through non-violent, legal means, often exploiting the judicial system.
- Who is President Bernardo Arévalo? Bernardo Arévalo is the current President of Guatemala, elected in 2023. He has accused the judicial system and prosecutor’s office of attempting a “technical coup” against his government.
- What is ‘lawfare’? ‘Lawfare’ describes the abuse of legal processes, institutions, and regulations as a strategic tool to achieve objectives that would otherwise be unattainable through conventional means.
- Who supports President Arévalo? Several OAS member countries, including the United States and European Union, have expressed their support for President Arévalo amidst the ongoing judicial attacks.
- What is Barrio 18? Barrio 18, also known as the 18th Street Gang, is a transnational criminal organization considered a “terrorist” group by both the US and Guatemala.
