Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) Condemns Repressive Actions Against Democracy Activists and Trade Unionists in Guatemala
Washington, DC - The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) expresses profound concern and vehemently denounces the recent actions taken by the Guatemalan Public Ministry, which has moved to strip immunity from President-elect Bernardo Arevalo and Vice President-elect Karin Herrera. Furthermore, the Public Ministry has issued arrest orders for 27 democracy activists, including six trade union leaders, representing a distressing assault on democratic values and the right to peaceful assembly.
LCLAA is particularly concerned with the blatant targeting of worker leaders from the San Carlos University Workers’ Union (STUSC). These leaders, who represent six of the nine members of the union’s elected leadership, have been actively involved in democracy and human rights activism connected to the 13-month protests at the University of San Carlos. The prosecutor’s office's actions against these individuals raise serious questions about protecting democratic rights and the right to peaceful protest in Guatemala.
LCLAA stands in solidarity with the Guatemalan labor movement and calls for international support in denouncing the arrest orders for activists, including six trade unionists. We call for the immediate release of those individuals arrested and ask the University of San Carlos to unfreeze the union leaders' salaries targeted in these raids and arrest orders.
Protecting democracy, human rights, and the right to organize is fundamental to the well-being of any society. LCLAA urges the Guatemalan authorities to reconsider their actions, ensure the protection of these rights, and uphold the principles of a just and democratic society.
LCLAA calls on the international community to join us in denouncing these egregious actions and advocating for the rights and freedoms of the individuals affected. We stand united in defending democracy, human rights, and social justice in Guatemala and beyond.
