HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN GUATEMALA

15 August 2002




United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson expressed serious concern today about the prosecution in Guatemala of Bruce Harris, Regional Director of Casa Alianza, whose trial on defamation charges is scheduled to begin on 16 August. Proceedings against Mr. Harris appear to be the result of an overly restrictive interpretation of the right to freedom of expression in the country, she said.

The case was opened in 1997 following a press conference at which Mr. Harris, whose organization works throughout Central America in defense of street children, named an individual allegedly involved in the trafficking of Guatemalan and Mexican babies for adoption in other countries.

The individual, who at the time was married to the President of the Supreme Court, brought defamation charges against Mr. Harris. The head of Casa Alianza argued that, as the Guatemalan Constitution protected freedom of expression, the case should be resolved by a civil court. However, a 1999 ruling of the Constitutional Court decided that only journalists have freedom of expression, and Mr. Harris is to be tried by a criminal court.


The High Commissioner urged Guatemala to implement international obligations to protect freedom of expression. The Special Rapporteurs of the Commission on Human Rights dealing with the sale of children and independence of the judiciary, as well as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on human rights defenders, indicated today that they joined her in this call.

Mrs. Robinson indicated that she knows Mr. Harris personally, and she has high regard for his commitment on behalf of children.



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