In 2022, the University of San Carlos in Guatemala City erupted into protests and occupations as students and critics denounced the election of Walter Mazariegos as the new rector. Amid the turmoil, Bernardo Arevalo, a little-known member of Congress at the time, emerged as a progressive voice in the protests. Now, as Guatemala’s president-elect, Arevalo is facing a new controversy as prosecutors seek to strip him and his running mate of their political immunity for supporting the student protests on social media.
Critics have warned that the request to remove Arevalo’s immunity is the latest attempt to derail his presidency, following a series of legal actions against him and his political party, the Seed Movement. The request is part of a larger investigation into the occupation at the University of San Carlos, which lasted over 380 days and ended in June. The investigation has led to raids, arrest warrants, and accusations against Arevalo and his supporters.
Supporters of Arevalo have denounced the investigation as an attempt to suppress free speech and political dissent in Guatemala. The political establishment, however, has rejected accusations of politically motivated legal actions. Arevalo has denied committing any criminal actions, calling the accusations against him “spurious and unacceptable.”
The question of whether Arevalo’s immunity will be lifted has raised concerns about the future of Guatemala’s democracy and stability across Central America. The United States, in particular, has voiced strong support for Arevalo, citing his anticorruption stance and the impact of Guatemala’s political situation on regional stability. The attempt to strip Arevalo’s immunity has been described by the US State Department as a “malign request” that threatens the stability of Guatemala and the region as a whole.