Guatemala City, Guatemala, by -AGN-. This Friday, the European Union sanctioned Guatemala’s Attorney General, María Consuelo Porras Argueta, as a consequence of her attempts to prevent the inauguration of President Bernardo Arévalo de León, who took office on January 14.
The sanctions include the head of the Special Prosecutor’s Office against Impunity -FECI-, José Rafael Curruchiche Cacul; Judge Fredy Raúl Orellana; FECI prosecutor Leonor Eugenia Morales Lazo; and the Secretary General of the Attorney General’s Office, Ángel Arnoldo Pineda Ávila.
The Council of the European Union decided to impose such a measure against these five officials for attempting to undermine democracy and opposing the right to transfer power.
Asset freezing
Sanctioned persons are subject to asset freezing. The sanction also prohibits European companies and citizens from making funds available to them. They are also banned from traveling and transiting through any EU country.
This measure adds to the one imposed on January 12 on a “dedicated framework for restrictive measures.” These were imposed in support of democracy and the peaceful transfer of power in the country.
The framework was adopted before the inauguration of President Bernardo Arévalo on January 14, 2024, and was attended by High Representative Josep Borrell.
According to High Representative Borrell, “When I traveled to Guatemala City, I did so knowing that the presence of numerous international guests would not only send a strong message of support to democracy in Guatemala, but also a strong signal to obstructionists that circumventing democratic processes would not be tolerated by the international community. The EU stands ready to take further steps to hold those responsible accountable.”
In addition, the press release states that the European Union is committed to democracy in Guatemala. It also reaffirms its willingness to collaborate closely with the new government on matters of mutual interest.
These include strengthening the rule of law, strengthening sustainable and inclusive economic development, and promoting social justice for the benefit of Guatemalans.
The EU sanction comes in addition to those imposed in 2023 by the United States.
