What’s behind efforts to strip Guatemala’s president-elect of his immunity?: Analysis

Blockades were established and buildings at the University of San Carlos were occupied by students in protest of the election of Walter Mazariegos as the new rector of the university. The process of Mazariegos’ election has been criticized as fraudulent by the United States State Department and other critics. However, the election of progressive candidate Bernardo Arevalo as Guatemala’s president-elect has brought new controversy to the forefront. Prosecutors have filed a request to remove Arevalo’s political immunity for allegedly supporting the student protests on social media. Human rights advocates and observers have warned that this request is a deliberate attempt to disrupt Arevalo’s presidency, following his surprising victory in the August election. Critics argue that the investigation into the protests is an effort to suppress free speech and political dissent. Arevalo has denied committing any criminal actions and called the accusations against him “spurious and unacceptable”. The request to strip Arevalo’s immunity must go through several legal steps before a court case can proceed. Regardless, this legal action could disrupt the transition of power and has sparked concern over the stability of democracy in Guatemala. The United States has criticized Guatemala’s Public Ministry and expressed support for Arevalo, citing the potential threat to democracy and stability in the region.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/23/whats-behind-efforts-to-strip-guatemalas-president-elect-of-his-immunity