Guatemalan Prosecutors Seek to Strip President Arevalo of Immunity

Guatemalan prosecutors have requested to remove President Bernardo Arevalo's immunity, allowing him to face charges of alleged abuse of authority. The move is the third from the Special Prosecutor's Office Against Impunity (FECI) since his election. Arevalo denies the allegations, calling them baseless.

Guatemalan prosecutors on Wednesday filed a request to revoke President Bernardo Arevalo's criminal immunity, allowing him to face charges of alleged abuse of authority. This latest request represents the third attempt by the Special Prosecutor's Office Against Impunity (FECI) to challenge Arevalo since his anti-corruption campaign brought him to power a year ago.

Leading the charge, prosecutor Rafael Curruchiche—who is listed on the U.S. State Department's Engel List of Corrupt and Undemocratic Actors and sanctioned by over 40 countries—asserted that Arevalo issued illegal orders to former Communications Minister Jazmin de la Vega regarding payments to construction firms contracted by the previous administration.

Prosecutors presented a leaked recording of the disputed conversation, which includes a company linked to Guatemala's ambassador to the Organization of American States and holding an $8.5 million contract. In response, Arevalo vehemently denied the accusations, labeling them as unfounded nonsense.

(With inputs from agencies.)