Press briefing notes on Guatemala and Libya

Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights:  Rupert Colville
Location: Geneva
Date: 14 June 2016                  

(1) Guatemala

We welcome the significant and extremely courageous steps taken by the Guatemalan authorities in the fight against corruption and impunity over the past few weeks. Last Saturday, three former ministers were arrested and detained for their alleged involvement in money laundering and unlawful association. Two other former ministers are also the subject of arrest warrants on similar charges, in a high-profile case involving former President Pérez Molina and former Vice President Baldetti.

On 2 June, the authorities also arrested 25 people and issued 27 additional arrest warrants for illicit contributions to the Patriotic Party’s campaign during the 2011 elections.

We hope that the country's remarkable efforts to overcome corruption and impunity, including the reforms to the justice system currently being promoted, will set an example for other States.

Our Office in Guatemala will continue to support the ongoing efforts towards reinforcing the independence of the justice system and the rule of law in the country.

(2)  Libya

A complete disregard for human life and breakdown in the rule of law continue to prevail in many parts of Libya. Last Friday, 12 people affiliated with the former Qaddafi regime, who had supposedly been released the previous day, from Al-Baraka prison in Tripoli in compliance with a court order, were found dead. According to family members who identified some of the bodies, the victims had apparently been severely tortured and beaten, and had been shot several times. Some also had burn marks and were found with their hands and feet tied.

Torture and attacks against civilians are crimes under international law. We urge the authorities to undertake an effective, prompt, thorough and impartial investigation in order to bring the perpetrators to justice.

ENDS 

For more information and media requests, please contact Rupert Colville (+41 22 917 9767 / rcolville@ohchr.org ), Ravina Shamdasani (+41 22 917 9169 / rshamdasani@ohchr.org) or Cécile Pouilly (+41 22 917 9310 / cpouilly@ohchr.org). 

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