The key points are temporarily unavailable. You can still read the full Story below.
Main Points
The civil organization Poder Ciudadano has formally withdrawn its proposal for constitutional reforms regarding the justice system from the Guatemalan Congress, citing persistent threats against its members and leadership. Edgar Ortiz, a constitutionalist and director of Poder Ciudadano, announced the decision on Thursday, November 5. He stated that the move was made exclusively for security reasons, noting that the organization’s volunteers and leadership have faced a campaign of intimidation. According to Ortiz, the threats intensified following the start of a signature-collection campaign for the reform proposal. He reported that volunteers in various regions have been intimidated by local organized crime groups, while he and his wife have been subjected to surveillance, including being followed by vehicles and motorcycles, and receiving direct threats from unidentified individuals. Ortiz also cited the recent murder of Juan Francisco Solórzano Foppa as a factor that heightened the organization's concerns regarding their safety. "The climate of violence seeks to silence voices that think differently," Ortiz said, acknowledging that the withdrawal of the proposal represents a tactical retreat in the face of security risks. He emphasized that the organization’s primary goal was to foster public debate on justice reform, rather than to pursue an electoral agenda. Despite the withdrawal, the initiative may still proceed. Ortiz confirmed that 11 members of Congress have stepped forward to present the proposal on their own behalf, ensuring that the discussion remains active in the legislative branch. While the organization has suspended all in-person events for the remainder of the year due to the lack of security guarantees, Ortiz stated that Poder Ciudadano will continue its work in legislative and judicial oversight. He noted that while the Ministry of Government and the National Civil Police offered security protocols, the organization has opted to manage its own security privately for the time being. The group is currently evaluating whether to seek protection from international bodies, such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH). Ortiz concluded that the situation reflects the influence of entrenched interests within the current justice system that oppose reform. He called for national unity among diverse sectors to counter the influence of groups that utilize violence and intimidation to stifle civic participation. Article source: Prensa Libre | Image credit: Prensa Libre
The civil organization Poder Ciudadano has formally withdrawn its proposal for constitutional reforms regarding the justice system from the Guatemalan Congress, citing persistent threats against its members and leadership. Edgar Ortiz, a constitutionalist and director of Poder Ciudadano, announced the decision on Thursday, November 5. He stated that the move was made exclusively for security reasons, noting that the organization’s volunteers and leadership have faced a campaign of intimidation. According to Ortiz, the threats intensified following the start of a signature-collection campaign for the reform proposal. He reported that volunteers in various regions have been intimidated by local organized crime groups, while he and his wife have been subjected to surveillance, including being followed by vehicles and motorcycles, and receiving direct threats from unidentified individuals. Ortiz also cited the recent murder of Juan Francisco Solórzano Foppa as a factor that heightened the organization’s concerns regarding their safety. “The climate of violence seeks to silence voices that think differently,” Ortiz said, acknowledging that the withdrawal of the proposal represents a tactical retreat in the face of security risks. He emphasized that the organization’s primary goal was to foster public debate on justice reform, rather than to pursue an electoral agenda. Despite the withdrawal, the initiative may still proceed. Ortiz confirmed that 11 members of Congress have stepped forward to present the proposal on their own behalf, ensuring that the discussion remains active in the legislative branch. While the organization has suspended all in-person events for the remainder of the year due to the lack of security guarantees, Ortiz stated that Poder Ciudadano will continue its work in legislative and judicial oversight. He noted that while the Ministry of Government and the National Civil Police offered security protocols, the organization has opted to manage its own security privately for the time being. The group is currently evaluating whether to seek protection from international bodies, such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH). Ortiz concluded that the situation reflects the influence of entrenched interests within the current justice system that oppose reform. He called for national unity among diverse sectors to counter the influence of groups that utilize violence and intimidation to stifle civic participation.
News Desk is the editorial publishing account for Tringlobe Media News, covering breaking news, public affairs, entertainment, community developments and regional stories across Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and internationally.
