Controversy Erupts as Guatemalan Lawmaker Faces Immunity Withdrawal

Ciudad de Guatemala, Feb. 27 (EFE) — The Guatemalan Public Ministry has requested the withdrawal of immunity from lawmaker Samuel Pérez Álvarez following allegations of misconduct. The request comes amid an ongoing corruption scandal that has plagued the country’s political landscape.

The accusation against Pérez, a member of the ruling Movimiento Semilla party led by President Bernardo Arévalo de León, was initially filed by fellow lawmaker Neftalí Chocooj de la Cruz. Chocooj alleged that Pérez ripped a letter intended for Arévalo during a parliamentary session on Jan. 14, marking one year since the president took office.

A spokesperson for the Public Ministry confirmed the details of the case. The letter, meant to be presented during the presidential anniversary address, was described by Chocooj as an important communication that Pérez disregarded.

The move to strip Pérez of his legislative immunity was initiated by the Ministry of Human Rights, under the leadership of Consuelo Porras, who herself faces sanctions from the United States and the European Union for corruption. The legal team has cited alleged abuses of authority and discrimination in their push for the immunity withdrawal.

Pérez responded publicly, condemning Chocooj as “corrupt” over the accusation, which he referred to as “paper homicide.” His remarks reflect a growing tension in the political climate, as Pérez seeks to defend himself against what he perceives as frivolous charges.

Since Arévalo’s election victory in 2023, the Public Ministry has pursued legal actions against various members of his party, stemming from the administration’s anti-corruption platform that arose from 2015 protests. These protests led to the ousting of former President Otto Pérez Molina amidst revelations of extensive bribery scandals.

The implications of this case could ripple through the framework of Guatemalan governance and affect the future of anti-corruption efforts initiated by Arévalo’s administration. Observers are closely monitoring how this situation unfolds, given its potential impact on stability within the ruling coalition.