Guatemala closes criminal cases against indigenous leaders

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo celebrated the definitive closure of criminal proceedings against indigenous leaders who were accused of terrorism and sedition following the 2023 protests. The judicial decision specifically concludes the case against María Juana Elías, a leader of the 48 Cantones de Totonicapán organization.

Judge Mynor Moto of the Third Criminal Court ordered the dismissal of the case after the Public Ministry requested the withdrawal of charges, including terrorism, unlawful association, and obstruction of justice. The prosecution stated there were no indications that Elías committed criminal acts during the October 2023 demonstrations, which were held to defend democratic results and demand the resignation of former Attorney General Consuelo Porras.

This ruling follows a similar decision on September 11, which cleared other leaders—Luis Pacheco, Héctor Chaclán, Basilio Puac, and Esteban Toc—of similar charges. Additionally, the judge ordered the Attorney General's Office (PGN) to issue a public apology on behalf of the State of Guatemala to the leaders of the 48 Cantones de Totonicapán and the Indigenous Mayor's Office of Sololá for the persecution they faced while exercising their right to protest.