Guatemala's New Attorney General Launches Sweeping Reforms, Dissolves Anti-Impunity Unit

The swift and decisive actions taken by the new Attorney General, Gabriel García Luna, since assuming office on May 17 signal a profound transformation within Guatemala's Public Ministry (MP). His commitment to transparency and accountability is immediately evident in the controversial decision to liquidate the Special Prosecutor's Office against Impunity (Feci), an entity that has been central to high-profile corruption cases. García Luna's justification—that Feci had lost 'citizen credibility'—suggests a desire to rebuild public trust in the institution.

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The liquidation process will serve to review each of the files and determine if there is any type of responsibility.

Beyond the Feci liquidation, García Luna's directives on restricting social media use among fiscal personnel and imposing new regulations on searches indicate a move towards greater institutional control and potentially, a more cautious approach to investigations. The appointment of a new cadre of secretaries, including Edwin Santiago Chavajay Chavajay, Shirley García Ovalle, and Rony López Galindo, brings fresh perspectives and experience, particularly in areas like criminal law, international cooperation, and IT management.

What is particularly noteworthy from our perspective at Prensa Libre is the Attorney General's explicit statement that investigations stemming from the Feci review could extend to any official, including former Attorney General María Consuelo Porras. This bold stance signals a potential reckoning for those who may have misused their power. The MP's commitment to recovering citizen confidence is paramount, and these initial steps, while potentially disruptive, aim to set a new standard for justice and integrity in Guatemala.

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The MP is not a political entity.

This overhaul is critical for Guatemala's ongoing efforts to combat corruption and strengthen the rule of law. The international community will be watching closely to see if these changes lead to tangible improvements in the justice system and a renewed sense of faith in public institutions. The focus on accountability, from the highest levels down, is a crucial step forward.

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To whoever is responsible. It could be the Attorney General, the Secretary General, whoever.