The president of Guatemala, Bernardo Arévalo de Leónpresented this Friday a recognition to the lawyer and former anti-corruption prosecutor Virginia Laparra Rivaswho was imprisoned for more than a year for an administrative crime.
Arévalo de León was awarded to Laparra Rivas with a medal Order of Labor Excellencein an event held at the National Palace of Cultureseat of Government.
Laparra was arrested on February 23, 2022, accused by the judge Lesther Castellanos of allegedly committing an administrative crime in 2018, when he served as anti-corruption prosecutor in Quetzaltenangothe second most important city in the country.
The Guatemalan lawyer was sentenced in that case to four years of commutable prison and subsequently the Public Ministry (Prosecutor’s Office) opened a second case against her, accusing her of revealing confidential information from an investigation that she was in charge of.
Laparra Rivas was released last January, when a criminal judge granted her house arrest. During her time in prison, dozens of local and foreign organizations petitioned for her release.
According to various sources, the arrest of Laparra Rivas was revenge for his work in the fight against corruption in Guatemala.
The lawyer dedicated the award to the women who fight every day and also expressed her joy for the recognition.
«This medal does not erase the moments of affliction, torture and persecution. I know. But in her I recognize the courage, fortitude and strength of a woman who, with clear and strong convictions, has worked for a more just Guatemala.”stated Arévalo de León.
At least 50 people, including prosecutors, judges and journalists, were judicially persecuted during the Government of Alejandro Giammattei (2020-2024) and the attorney general, Consuelo Porras. Both are sanctioned for USA with the withdrawal of his visa due to allegations of corruption. EFE (I)
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