Guatemala Metropolis/Prensa Latina
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo immediately mentioned the departure of famend former anti-corruption prosecutor Virginia Laparra from the nation, as she expressed in a letter, with a view to protect her life.
Via his profile on the social community X, the president expressed that the exile of the previous head of the Particular Prosecutor’s Workplace Towards Impunity (FECI) primarily based within the southwestern division of Quetzaltenango exhibits two issues.
“The persecution of justice operators continues by a corrupt minority led by the Public Ministry (MP), and having an impartial justice system is pressing,” mentioned the president. Whereas Virginia is compelled to go away the nation, corrupt folks stroll the streets with impunity, mentioned the standard-bearer of the Movimiento Semilla get together.
“This darkish cycle will quickly finish. Might the power and honesty of legal professionals like Virginia information the actions for change that the justice system wants,” Arévalo mentioned.
Laparra, who was imprisoned in 2022 for a controversial case of abuse of authority, was sentenced final week to 5 years of commutable jail, with out the judges contemplating her exonerating proof.
She introduced her departure on Thursday, as a result of regardless of her makes an attempt to confront the Guatemalan justice system, the specter of persevering with to be criminalized persists. I accomplish that with disappointment and with full consciousness that this determination will likely be particularly onerous for my household, my buddies and my legal professionals, the jurist added. She additionally thanked the unconditional help of individuals and organizations throughout her course of.
“Greater than ever, I’m sure that the reality is on my aspect. From exile, I verify to you as soon as once more: they may by no means be capable to take that away from me,” the letter concluded.
Public information confirmed that greater than 50 justice operators, journalists, indigenous leaders and activists from Guatemala went into exile between 2019 and 2023 after reporting political persecution towards them by the MP.
Native media shops highlighted that Laparra turns into the primary to make the choice to go away throughout the Arévalo administration. The top of state himself offered the previous prosecutor with a medal and a plaque with the Order of Labor Excellence at an official ceremony.
“Right now we acknowledge Virginia Laparra for her braveness and dedication within the combat towards corruption. Her work has been elementary in guaranteeing entry to justice and guaranteeing ladies’s rights,” the president confused.
The 44-year-old lawyer was launched on January 4 after being sentenced to 4 years in jail.
A case -according to analysts- fabricated in retaliation for independence when investigating folks associated to political, financial, navy elites and prison constructions.
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