Guatemala's new attorney general, Gabriel García Luna, has pledged to dismantle the "repressive and vengeful" administration of his predecessor, Consuelo Porras, who was sanctioned by multiple countries, including the United States, for obstructing anti-corruption efforts.
García Luna, who took office in May, stated that the Public Prosecutor's Office will no longer be a political entity or weapon. His predecessor, Porras, faced accusations of stifling corruption cases, persecuting justice officials, activists, and journalists, and attempting to prevent the inauguration of President Bernardo Arévalo.
The new attorney general has initiated changes by dismantling the network of Porras' trusted staff, who are accused of criminalizing and persecuting former justice officials. A commission has also been launched to review cases of individuals allegedly criminalized under the previous administration.
Porras has denied the accusations, with the Public Prosecutor's Office stating that the allegations affect her "right to honor, dignity, reputation and the presumption of innocence."
García Luna indicated a commitment to reviewing potential abuses during the past administration and rebuilding the prosecutorial profession, which he claims was damaged by the dismissal of between 800 and 1,000 employees during Porras' eight-year tenure.
The possibility of legal action against Porras and her associates has not been ruled out. Cases where the prosecutor's office allegedly benefited or allowed the release of individuals accused of corruption or drug trafficking are being reviewed and may be reopened.
Former prosecutor Juan Francisco Sandoval, who lives in exile after denouncing persecution by Porras, has called for an "impartial and independent" investigation into the allegations against Porras and her administration, emphasizing the principle of equality before the law.
García Luna's efforts have garnered international support from the U.S. government and European Union countries, who have offered backing in combating transnational crime. The Attorney General's Office is also collaborating with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which is scheduled to review cases of alleged political persecution under Porras on August 4.