Guatemalan Deputies Face Justice as Immunity is Revoked
A total of ninety-three deputies have lost their immunity, some due to alleged crimes and others because they did not win re-election. This will allow them to face justice for a variety of accusations.
One such case is that of José Armando Ubico Aguilar, whose immunity was revoked by the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ) after being accused of drug trafficking by the United States. Ubico’s legal situation prevented him from seeking re-election with the Podemos party.
Deputy Jorge Adolfo de Jesús García Silva, a member of the Citizen Prosperity party, lost his immunity after facing allegations of illicit association, fraud, and money laundering.
In another high-profile case, Carlos Mencos, a former head of the Comptroller General of Accounts (CGC) and current deputy, also had his immunity withdrawn. He stands accused of endorsing unnecessary services to benefit two companies, resulting in purchases totaling Q1.3 million.
Deputy Aldo Dávila faced multiple complaints from former President Alejandro Giammattei and other government officials. He was accused of discrimination and verbal aggression and was ultimately unable to participate in the general elections due to the legal proceedings against him.
Several deputies, including Keven Iván Ligorría Galicia and Héctor Manuel Choc Caal, lost their immunity due to allegations of violence against women.
There are also cases of former parliamentarians who, due to a lack of re-election, lost their immunity, such as Adán Pérez, who expressed support for alleged criminal activities on social media, and Aree Álvin Aguilar, who faces allegations of violence against women.
Lastly, Jimmy Morales, a former president, lost his immunity after serving four years as a deputy in the Central American Parliament. Morales is accused of abuse of authority and being responsible for the deaths of 41 girls in a fire at a safe home.
The revocation of immunity paves the way for justice to be served in these cases, marking a significant moment in Guatemala’s fight against corruption and impunity.