Stories from Guatemala

Carlos Oveniel Morales Guerra has accepted extradition to the United States. He is required by US authorities for crimes related to drug trafficking. Morales Guerra is the brother of Francisco Edgar Morales Guerra, the current mayor of Dolores, Peten.

The Public Ministry played audio from telephone interceptions during an intermediate stage hearing for the kidnapping of Dr. Julio Amilcar Martínez Murillo. The doctor has been missing since May 2025. The case involves the investigation into his disappearance.

Renab executive director stated that the company managing the RELAP biometric system is not a Chinese firm. This follows accusations made by Deputy Inés Castillo regarding potential vulnerabilities in equipment and software used to detect network intrusions.

A hearing for Dejosé Carmelo Cina y Ortiz, also known as 'el inquieto', has been rescheduled for May 7 at 8:00 AM. The proceedings were suspended because a suitable room was unavailable for the hearing.

A new tax adjustment in Guatemala will apply an annual amount of 175 quetzales. This calculation is applied to the annual tax liquidation. The adjustment affects approximately 12 to 13 secretaries or potentially up to 60 secretaries depending on specific calculations. The source noted that people are questioning the status of various secretaries retained between January and May. Water contaminated with fecal matter is affecting 16 departments across Guatemala. The issue is most prevalent in rural areas and among indigenous populations. A broadcaster requested clarification from the National Institute of Statistics regarding the methodology used to collect water samples. The source noted the potential gravity of the data. Data indicates 52% of Guatemalans consume water containing fecal matter. Additionally, 3 in 10 Guatemalans lack sufficient water supplies during the current week.

A second-instance criminal court suspended the start of the intermediate stage in the ongoing case against journalist and El Periódico founder José Rubén Zamora. Judge José Maximino Morales stated the suspension is due to a pending resolution in the third appeals chamber regarding a recusal filed by the Foundation Against Terrorism. The recusal was filed against former judge Eric García, who has been away from the judiciary for over a year. The decision was made by the chamber regarding the proceedings of the aforementioned chamber. A hearing regarding a complaint filed by Attorney General Consuelo Porras against journalist José Rubén Zamora has been suspended. Porras has accused Zamora of discrimination. The allegations were presented in January by the current head of the Public Ministry in her capacity as a citizen. The specific facts motivating the complaint remain unknown.

Guatemala is developing the Rio Indio project to ensure sufficient water for human consumption in the city. Supervisor Casiá is studying the possibility of increasing capacity through additional resources and tugboats. The project aims to guarantee long-term water availability for the population. The Monetary Board reported that most short-term economic indicators maintain positive growth despite external uncertainty. Economic growth for the current year is estimated to be between 3.1 and 5.1 percent. Projections for 2027 range from 3 to 5 percent. The announcement was made by the Monetary Board.

Judge Carul Verganza rescheduled a hearing to May 13 after Mayor Ríaz-Gosé suspended the restart of the Tapa Intermedia. The case involves Carlos Zil, also known as 'el Calavera,' a suspected criminal leader.

The Public Ministry's unit against labor exploitation conducted 10 raids in Zone 7 of Guatemala City. Of these, 5,012 cases involved requests for protection measures, while 1,038 were handled within criminal processes. The actions included 37 family law hearings and 25 unilateral hearings. Most cases addressed violations of the right to protection against personal mistreatment. These measures primarily addressed protection against physical abuse. Additionally, 25 unilateral hearings were conducted within the framework of criminal proceedings. The efforts include addressing child exploitation where children are reportedly offering products on the streets. The report noted movements to contain exploitation in Zone 7. Authorities conducted 30 raids across Guatemala, San Marcos, and Sololá as part of the 'Gota Gota Fase Migración' operation.

Various administrative institutions and medical facilities in Guatemala will close for the May 1 holiday. The Procuraduría General de la Nación confirmed its central headquarters and all regional delegations will remain closed.