• Urgent Action

Urgent Action: LAWYER AND HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER JAILED (Guatemala 84.23

September 27, 2023

TAKE ACTION: 

  1. Write a letter in your own words or using the sample below as a guide to one or both government officials listed. You can also email, fax, call or Tweet them.

  2. Click here to let us know the actions you took on Urgent Action 84.23. It’s important to report because we share the total number with the officials we are trying to persuade and the people we are trying to help.

    CONTACT INFORMATION:

    Noé Nehemías Rivera Vásquez Fiscalía de Asuntos
    Internos Ministerio Público de Guatemala
    15 avenida 15-16 zona 1, Barrio Gerona
    Ciudad de Guatemala
    Guatemala01001
    Email: [email protected]

    Ambassador Alfonso Quiñónez
    Guatemala Embassy
    2220 R Street NW, Washington, DC
    Phone: (202) 745-4953
    Email: [email protected]

    SAMPLE LETTER:

    Dear Mr. Noé Nehemías Rivera,

    I am writing with respect to the detention of Ms. Claudia González Orellana carried out by the Public Prosecutor’s Office on 28th August 2023. Ms. González is a former CICIG official and the lawyer to several individuals in Guatemala facing unfair criminal charges as a result of their anti-corruption work.

    In a context of widespread criminalization in Guatemala against those who have stood up against corruption and impunity, the charges against Ms. González represent a clear attempt to silence her and punish her for her work.

    It is worrying, for example, that the prosecutor’s office was not present during the hearing against her on 28th August 2023 to present charges, which violates her rights. In addition, it is notable that the charges she faces relate to alleged “abuse of authority”, even though she has never held a position in the Guatemalan administration. This raises serious doubts about the impartiality and motivation of the charges against her.

    I therefore urge you to conduct an immediate review of the existing charges against Ms. Claudia González with a view to dismissing any unfounded proceedings and guaranteeing her rights under national and international law.

    Yours sincerely,

    [Name]

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: