WASHINGTON, May 18, 2022 — The American Bar Association is concerned about significant irregularities and abuse of power evident in the recent selection process for Guatemala’s prosecutor general.
The process was tainted by a lack of proper vetting of candidates and incidents of improper influence, including threats against members of the Selection Commission and candidates.
The ABA, which has expertise monitoring selection proceedings in the region, supports merit-based judicial selection proceedings independent of political influence and calls on the Guatemalan government to protect independent judges and prosecutors to ensure compliance with international standards.
The ABA is the largest voluntary association of lawyers in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.