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UN expresses concern over prosecutions linked to commission that probed impunity in Guatemala
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Summary
The UN secretary-general said he is concerned about arrest warrants issued in Guatemala against former international commission personnel and recalled the agreement under which the commission’s international staff enjoyed immunity for acts performed in the course of their mission.
The United Nations voiced concern about the Guatemalan public prosecutor’s announcement of arrest warrants against former personnel linked to the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG).
UN spokesperson Steph said the secretary-general is concerned by the issuance of arrest warrants against the former commissioner, Iván Velásquez, and against the former head of investigations and other national staff who worked with the commission. The secretary-general reiterated that, under the agreement between the United Nations and the government of Guatemala establishing the commission, international personnel enjoy immunity for acts done in the performance of their mission — protections that continue after their employment ends, the spokesperson said.
Steph said the secretary-general recalled the Guatemalan government’s obligation under that agreement to protect commission personnel from abuse, threats, reprisals or intimidation stemming from their work. The secretary-general voiced concern that criminal prosecutions are being pursued against people who sought to investigate corruption and strengthen the rule of law in Guatemala and asked authorities to respect agreed protections, the spokesperson said.
