Guatemala: Weekly Saturday protests continue in capital /update 1

Event

Anti-corruption protests were held once again in the capital Guatemala City and other urban areas on Saturday, September 30. Protests organized by the Justicia Ya (Justice Now) group occur every Saturday at Plaza de la Constitución, the main square near the Presidential Palace. However, this Saturday’s event was larger than usual. Demonstrators had numerous demands, including the resignation of President Jimmy Morales and other high-level politicians, electoral law reform, and increased health and security measures. 

Context

Political corruption is a major issue in Guatemala. The latest wave of controversy intensified in mid-August when President Jimmy Morales - accused of illegally financing his 2015 presidential campaign and having ties with organized crime - ordered the deportation of the head of UN anti-corruption entity in Guatemala, the CICIG (Comisión Internacional Contra la Impunidad en Guatemala).

The CICIG enjoys wide support from the population. In 2015, the administration of then-President Otto Pérez Molina was shaken by a massive customs corruption conspiracy known as La Línea. Both Molina and his vice president were forced from office following an investigation by the CICIG and unprecedented mass anti-government protests that lasted for 20 weeks.

Advice

While most protests in Guatemala remain peaceful, individuals are nonetheless advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution and to keep abreast of the sociopolitical climate.