Guatemala Lawmakers Propose Preventive Detention Reforms

Guatemalan lawmakers are revisiting a legislative initiative aimed at regulating preventive detention to prevent abuses within the country. The proposal was originally worked on by a commission nearly three years ago. Legislators are currently resuming work to discuss a draft report to assist judges in resolving cases. The initiative seeks to establish better regulations regarding the use of pretrial detention. Lawmakers are working to finalize reports for both initiatives to move them to the Congressional Plenary. Additionally, deputies analyzed a modification to Article 259, which would prohibit transferring any accused person to a detention center without a prior appearance before a judicial authority. Deputies hope to sign both reports during the next Commission session to advance the process to the Congressional Plenary.