Fiscal García Luna: The Nation Watches

Guatemalans are closely observing the newly appointed Attorney General, García Luna, as he assumes leadership of an institution long perceived as more political than judicial. The nation watched intently through four rounds of public voting as the selection commission narrowed down candidates, culminating in President Arévalo's announcement of Luna's appointment on May 5th. This moment is seen as a critical juncture, signaling an end to excuses for institutional shortcomings and the cessation of unproductive disputes over public service performance.

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Your objective cannot be revenge or resentment; it must be justice.

The Public Ministry has historically been marred by political interference, with previous prosecutors facing scrutiny. The article notes that while Luna inherits the challenges of his predecessors, his background as a Justice of the Peace and an Appeals Court magistrate provides him with intimate knowledge of the system. Like millions of Guatemalans, the author, a young lawyer, admits to not knowing Luna personally but pledges confidence and offers the benefit of the doubt, stating, "We will know him by his actions."

The author directly addresses Luna, acknowledging that over 65% of the population holds unfavorable views of the Public Ministry. "Your objective cannot be revenge or resentment; it must be justice," the piece declares, urging that those who break the law must face direct consequences. A key immediate change advocated for is restricting case secrecy to matters of exceptional public importance, ensuring all parties have access to case files otherwise.

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We will know him by his actions. By how he wields the helm when the storm of impunity threatens to capsize the ship.

The article calls for progressive changes where possible and immediate action where necessary, pushing for concrete steps that go beyond symbolic gestures like removing protective barriers at the Ministry. The ultimate aim is to restore the integrity of public service and the investigative process. While the Public Ministry holds titular authority for public criminal action in Guatemala, the piece reminds that it remains just one procedural subject among others, underscoring the collective responsibility of Guatemalans in this pursuit of justice.

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A change will be that only cases of special significance and for public safety will be kept under seal, otherwise in all cases, all procedural parties must have access to the file.