20 Sep 2018 | 02:54 AM UTC
Guatemala: Thousands of anti-corruption protesters expected for Sep. 20 rallies /update 4
Thousands of protesters are expected to attend student-led anti-corruption rallies in Guatemala City and other cities on September 20
Event
Thousands of protesters are expected to attend student-led anti-corruption rallies across Guatemala on Thursday, September 20. Thursday's rallies are the latest in a series of protests since September 1 in response to President Jimmy Morales decision to end the mandate of a joint UN-Guatemalan anti-corruption task force. The Association of University Students (AEU), who organized the events, is calling for the resignation of Morales and Vice President Jafeth Cabrera, the rejection of a proposed adjustment to corruption probe authorities, and several other demands. Large crowds, traffic disruptions, and a heightened security presence are expected along march routes and near rally sites.
In Guatemala City, protesters will gather in Plaza de la Constitución. One group will march from Universidad de San Carlos de Gautemala beginning at 08:00 while students from Universidad Del Valle and Rafael Landívar will assemble at 18th Street and 6th Avenue at 11:00. At least 24 groups confirmed participation in Quetzaltenango's march, which will go from Centro Universitario de Occidente (CUNOC) down Rodolfo Robles Street to Parque Central. Protests will also take place in Huehuetenango and Cobán. At 08:30 in Huehuetenango, demonstrators will march from Las Vegas to Plaza Central. In Cobán, a rally will begin at Parque Central at 10:30.
Context
Protests began on September 1 following the announcement that President Jimmy Morales would not extend the mandate of the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), a joint UN-Guatemala task force responsible for investigating and prosecuting corruption and human rights abuses. The CICIG was formed in 2006 and 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 resignation and arrest.
Advice
Individuals in the country, particularly in the abovementioned 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.
