Police Repress Defenders of Democracy in Guatemala

On Wednesday night, social leaders and Indigenous people from Guatemala denounced several acts of repression by the police against citizens defending democracy in Guatemala and demanding the resignation of the Attorney General, Consuelo Porras.

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The protesters, who were engaged in a peaceful demonstration outside the Attorney General's office, were attacked by masked men armed with sticks and machetes who sought to forcefully evict them.

Meanwhile, riot police attempted to enter various areas in the Totonicapan department, which prompted residents to mobilize in defense of the right to social protest.

Once the incidents in Totonicapan became known, the Indigenous authorities of 48 cantons called on the population to remain calm and not to fall into any provocation.

Human rights defenders also reported police repression in the Quetzal Port area in the Escuintla department, where riot police and truck drivers assaulted people protesting.

The citizens were protesting against the coup attempt that Guatemalan elites are trying to carry out to prevent the inauguration of President-elect Bernardo Arevalo in January 2024.

Alida Vicente, the authority of the Indigenous Municipality of Poqomam in Palin Escuintla, reported that the Escuintla Commissioner ordered the use of violence to evict citizens, some of whom were injured due to police actions.

Despite acts of repression and intimidation, progressive organizations have stated that they will continue to protest in the streets until the resignation of Porras is achieved.