The US sanctions Giammattei for corruption three days after leaving the presidency of Guatemala

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Former Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei Sanctioned by U.S. Department of State for Corruption

The United States Department of State has imposed sanctions on former President Alejandro Giammattei, barring him from entering the country due to his involvement in significant acts of corruption during his time in office. According to spokesperson Matthew Miller, the decision was based on “reliable information” indicating that Giammattei accepted bribes in exchange for the performance of his public duties.

The announcement comes just three days after Giammattei left office and made way for the winner of the August elections, Bernardo Arévalo. The U.S. has closely followed the transition process and has condemned actions against Arévalo from other branches of the Guatemalan State. The U.S. has played an active role in condemning corruption in Guatemala, which has seen an increase in authoritarianism and a corrosion of its institutions in recent years.

Matthew Miller stated, “Over the past three years, we have taken steps to impose visa restrictions or sanctions on nearly 400 individuals, including public officials, private sector representatives and their families, for engaging in corrupt activities or undermining democracy or the rule of law in Guatemala.”

The sanctions also extend to Giammattei’s children, who have been banned from entering the U.S. under the Magnitsky Law, which punishes corrupt individuals and human rights violators. Republican Senator Mike Lee claimed that one of Giammattei’s children was prevented from entering the U.S. and was returned to Guatemala, despite having a valid visa.

In a separate development, Guatemala’s Constitutional Court (CC) has ordered a repeat of the congressional board of directors election. The decision came after the Presidency of the chamber fell into the hands of a deputy from the ruling Semilla Movement, Samuel Pérez, despite being the third force in Congress. The CC accepted a provisional appeal, stating that it does not affect the appointment of the chamber’s president and vice president.

The court’s decision was endorsed after an appeal was presented by representative Sandra Jovel, of the conservative Valor party, who alleged that several deputies on the board of directors, belonging to Semilla, have their party legally suspended and cannot be part of the presidency or the commissions.

These developments come amid a period of political turmoil and transition in Guatemala, as new leadership takes charge and the country grapples with allegations of corruption and power struggles within its institutions.