Stories from Guatemala

The FEWA justice system recorded a 26.7% increase in aggressions compared to the previous year. A total of 5,238 aggressions were documented during 2025. Approximately 96% of these incidents occurred in the digital sphere. Journalists and social communicators were identified as one of the most impacted categories. Udefegua said the need to guarantee protection for these individuals. Physical aggressions included 12 recorded murders, which officials described as an level of violence.

Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York regarding purported links to narcotics trafficking. The investigation involves alleged conspiracies with leaders of the Sinaloa cartel.

Guatemala's Constitutional Court has processed an amparo filed regarding the cancellation of the Semilla party. The decision followed orders from Judge Fridoreiana of the seventh multi-person court of first instance criminal. The court remitted the case to the Supreme Court due to jurisdictional issues. The suspension occurred because the FESI prosecutor's office did not appear for the evidence offering hearing and an unresolved recusal was pending. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is continuing its analysis of an Amparo action filed by elected deputies of the Semilla Movement. The deputies are questioning the legality of the cancellation of the Policial de Justicia party. The cancellation was originally announced on March 25 following an order from Judge Fridorellana of the Seventh Pluripersonal Court of First Instance Criminal.

The fire in Lantaj San Miguel a Catan, Huehuetenango, is 80% controlled and 75% liquidated, according to Conred. The incident occurred in the Huehuetenango department of Guatemala. Local authorities are managing the containment efforts.

Carlos Lalias, known as 'El Calavera', is recovering from spinal surgery performed last weekend. Judge C. Carol Berganza suspended the intermediate stage hearing due to his medical condition. The hearing is now scheduled for May 13.

The motorcycle fleet in Guatemala has increased by 85 percent since 2020. The number of motorcycles rose from 1.7 million to 3.2 million in 2025. A sub-commissioner noted concerns that half of these motorcycles may be operated by individuals without valid traffic licenses.

A criminal leader known as 'El Calavera' allegedly targeted members of the board of directors at a recognized medical center in Guatemala City's Zone 10.

A peace judge in San José Pínula, Rocío Murillo, has been removed from her position. Murillo faces allegations including mistreatment of minors, prevarication, and falsification.

A court scheduled an intermediate stage hearing for the second case against journalist and founder of the defunct Diario La Plebe, José Rubén Zamora. The second instance criminal court suspended the start of this stage. The hearing is set to take place today.

Guatemalan Deputy Julio Portillo has filed a request for antejuicio against the Minister of Communications. The summonses were intended to gather information regarding the state of national roads and road infrastructure projects. Approximately 52% of Guatemalans consume water containing fecal matter. Three out of ten citizens do not have sufficient water access during the current week. Additionally, 1% of children in the country suffer from acute malnutrition. These statistics were presented by a source discussing the gravity of current data. The Congress of the Republic of Guatemala continued the interpellation process of Social Development Minister Belardo Pinto for a second consecutive week. Deputy Victoria Palala presented additional questions during the session. Lawmakers are currently following up on this political trial.