# Guatemalan Public Ministry Faces Accusations of Power Abuse in Case Against Arévalo and Herrera
## Public Ministry Under Fire for Actions Against Elected Duo
The Guatemalan Public Ministry finds itself at the heart of controversy following accusations from various organizations and figures accusing it of abusing its power in its recent moves against president-elect Bernardo Arévalo, vice president-elect Karin Herrera, and their political party. The intense scrutiny comes just after the Public Ministry charged the duo with leveraging the student movement of the University of San Carlos (USAC) for political advantage.
## IACHR Denounces Ministry’s Impropriety
“The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and its Rapporteurship for Freedom of Expression reject the abusive exercise of power by the Public Ministry of Guatemala, through incessant improper actions and interference,” asserts the defense organization associated with the Organization of the American States (OAS). These statements reflect broad disapproval of the Ministry’s relentless scrutinization of the elected officials and their backing party, the Semilla Movement.
### Allegations and Actions Trigger National Outcry
The Public Ministry’s allegations against Arévalo, Herrera, and five elected parliamentarians seek the withdrawal of their immunity, a move perceived as highly controversial. On top of this, the Ministry accuses the Semilla Movement of fraudulent activities, such as signature forgery for political party establishment and election day irregularities. These accusations are widely criticized by various Guatemalan actors, including Arévalo himself, as a blatant attempt to orchestrate a coup and block the duo’s upcoming presidential induction in January 2024.
### Widespread Mobilizations and International Support
The ensuing actions have resulted in extensive mobilizations and road blockades by citizens who stand opposed to what they deem as political persecution. The general sentiment also aligns with demands for the resignation of prosecutor Consuelo Porras. This domestic unrest is echoed internationally, as former leaders like the ex-presidents of Paraguay, Mario Abdo, and Mexico, Felipe Calderón, beseech the restoration of institutional order in Guatemala.
## Ex-Presidents Alarm Over Constitutional Order Alteration
An alteration of the constitutional order poses a direct threat to the democracy of Guatemala, a concern collectively expressed by the members of the Democratic Initiative of Spain and the Americas (IDEA). Notable former presidents like Colombia’s Iván Duque, Argentina’s Mauricio Macri, and Spain’s José María Aznar and Mariano Rajoy, express remembrance to Guatemalan institutions about the paramount importance of democratic and constitutional adherence and warn against the peril of circumvention through fraudulent acts or legal manipulations.
## The Stakes of Democracy in Guatemala
As these events continue to unfold, questions regarding the fate of democracy in Guatemala remain. The nation watches with anticipation and concern as the global community voices its stand against power abuse and in favor of democratic practices.
This ongoing situation has prompted widespread attention and will be carefully monitored as new developments arise. With the convergence of domestic demonstrations and international demands for justice, the Guatemalan Public Ministry finds itself increasingly at the centre of a complex and potentially transformative moment in the nation’s history.