The coup attempt continues in Guatemala
El CLACSO Working Group on Violence in Central America The report alleges that on November 16, in the early morning hours, agents of the Guatemalan Public Prosecutor's Office carried out 31 raids seeking to execute 28 arrest warrants against academics and students from the University of San Carlos of Guatemala (USAC) and the Rafael Landívar University (URL), who have opposed corruption and are social activists. Most of the arrest warrants were executed, with only those who are in exile or who, for some other reason, were not captured.
Among those arrested are prominent university figures such as Dr. Eduardo Velázquez, former dean of the Faculty of Economic Sciences and former president of the Latin American Sociological Association; Dr. Rodolfo Chang, current dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; and Alfredo Enrique Beber, the faculty representative to the University Reform Commission. Arrest warrants are pending for Dr. Hada Alvarado, former dean of the Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy and former candidate for rector of the University of San Carlos (USAC); the eminent jurist Ramón Cadena; Javier de León, a distinguished student of Physics and Mathematics; and social leader Helmer Velázquez. Former human rights ombudsman Dr. Jordán Rodas and former student representative to the University Council, Camilo García, evaded arrest because they are in exile.
The mass arrests are being carried out under the pretext that all those accused participated in the takeover of USAC facilities by students protesting the fraudulent process that brought the current illegitimate rector, Walter Mazariegos, to power. The Public Prosecutor's Office has also requested the removal of immunity from the president-elect and vice president-elect, Bernardo Arévalo and Karin Herrera, holding them responsible for the USAC takeover. Furthermore, there is an ongoing process to remove the immunity of the members of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, an institution that has opposed the invalidation of the presidential election results.
Likewise, efforts are underway to remove the parliamentary immunity of the Secretary General of the Semilla Movement party, Congressman Samuel Pérez, and to arrest the party's Secretary of International Relations, Román Castellanos, as well as opposition congressmen Carlos Barreda and Aldo Dávila. Additionally, there is a process to remove the immunity of the members of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, an institution that has opposed the invalidation of the presidential election results. The Public Prosecutor's Office announced that approximately 70 more arrests are still pending. What we are witnessing today in Guatemala is the continuation of coup plans aimed at preventing Bernardo Arévalo from assuming the presidency on January 14, 2024.
We demand respect for the integrity of those captured. Likewise, we urge academic institutions and social organizations in the region to speak out against this latest violation of democratic principles and citizens' rights.
Say NO to the coup in Guatemala!
16 November 2023
CLACSO Working Group
Violence in Central America
This text expresses the position of CLACSO Working Group on Violence in Central America and not necessarily that of the centers and institutions that make up the CLACSO international network, its Steering Committee or its Executive Secretariat.
