Guatemala: Anti-government protests in Guatemala City, other cities Sep. 8-10 /update 1

Event

Anti-government protests are notably planned in Guatemala City, Quetzaltenango (Quetzaltenango department), Huehuetenango (Huehuetenango department), and San Marcos (San Marcos department) from Saturday, September 8, through Monday, September 10. Demonstrators have reportedly organized the protests to call for the resignation of President Jimmy Morales after he banned a UN-backed special prosecutor from returning to Guatemala in recent days and decided that he will not give the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), a joint UN-Guatemala task force responsible for investigating and prosecuting corruption and human rights abuses, another two-year mandate.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions (e.g. due to roadblocks) are to be anticipated near all demonstration sites.

Context

The CICIG was formed in 2006 when the UN and Guatemala signed an agreement to establish an independent, international body that would investigate and charge serious crimes in the country. The CICIG was successful in prosecuting high-profile cases, including extrajudicial killings, drug trafficking, fraud, and a government conspiracy and corruption scandal that involved then-President Otto Pérez Molina and Vice President Roxana Baldetti. The investigation resulted in their resignations and arrests.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and allow for extra time to reach their destinations. Adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.