Guatemala: Indigenous activists to stage nationwide protests and strike July 29

Event

Activists affiliated with the indigenous organization the Xinca People's Parliament (Parlamento del Pueblo Xinca) plan to stage protests and labor strikes across Guatemala July 29. The purpose of the action is to demand the resignations of President Alejandro Giammattei and Attorney General Consuelo Porras following the controversial dismissal of the head of the Special Prosecutor's Office Against Impunity (Fiscalia Especial Contra la Impunidad, FECI). Although organizers have not released details concerning specific protest actions, activist leaders plan to coordinate roadblocks nationwide and have called on agricultural and political organizations to join the strike.

Similar previous actions by indigenous groups have caused major disruptions in Guatemala. Protests are likely along major inter-departmental highways, as well as outside government buildings in downtown Guatemala City. Authorities will almost certainly deploy increased security near any gatherings that may materialize; clashes between demonstrators and security personnel cannot be ruled out.

Context

The call for protests is in reaction to the recent removal of Juan Francisco Sandoval as head of the FECI - a move that has been criticized by opponents of President Giammattei's administration, as well as some foreign governments. The FECI is leading several corruption investigations and was part of the process that led to then-President Otto Perez Molina's resignation and later arrest in 2015. Sandoval worked closely with the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala before it was terminated in 2019.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Allow additional time to reach destinations near likely demonstration locations. Confirm business appointments in advance. Do not attempt to cross protester roadblocks; wait for police to reopen the roads or look for alternative routes.