The Spanish Embassy in Guatemala reported on the statement of the diplomatic missions representing the members of the Coalition for Press Freedom accredited in Guatemala regarding the case of Jose Rubén Zamora.
“Today—July 29—is the fourth anniversary of the arrest of Jose Rubén Zamora, which occurred on July 29, 2022,” the information highlighted.
He recalled that, in 2024, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention determined that Zamora’s imprisonment was arbitrary and a consequence of his peaceful exercise of freedom of expression. He also demanded his immediate release.
“Two years later, Zamora is still deprived of liberty; he is currently under house arrest, waiting for the judicial process to conclude,” the information added.
He added: “We urge the Judiciary and the Prosecutor’s Office to respect Zamora’s rights, and guarantee that any new judicial proceedings against him are carried out promptly and transparently, in accordance with international law.”
He stressed that “an independent and critical press is fundamental for democracy and the rule of law.”
According to the Coalition, many journalists in Guatemala continue to suffer threats, harassment and physical attacks. “We call on all parties involved so that journalists can carry out their work without intimidation, without fear of persecution and without undue interference in Guatemala,” he said.
“We celebrate the commitment expressed by President Bernardo Arévalo to press freedom and his expressed concern about Mr. Zamora’s case, and we encourage his administration to ensure that Guatemala meets its obligations and commitments under international human rights law,” the information added.
On Tuesday, July 28, The Constitutional Court (CC) of Guatemala affirmed the substitute measure that allows journalist Jose Rubén Zamora to remain freeafter approving the withdrawal of the appeal presented by the Public Ministry (MP) against the sentence that granted him protection.
On July 27, the Ninth Criminal Sentencing Court postponed the hearing to review Jose Rubén Zamora’s coercive measures, in which he would request authorization to leave the country for medical reasons. Now, the Court must also schedule the date for the repetition of the debate in this case for alleged money laundering.
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