The Government of Guatemala lamented on Monday that journalist José Rubén Zamora Marroquín remains jailed by order of the Public Ministry. Zamora is a renowned Guatemalan journalist and founder of elPeriódico, one of the country's main newspapers. He is currently in preventive prison for a extortion case.
In a statement, the Government expressed its concern for Zamora's situation and highlighted his journalistic career. The journalist has denounced several times the violation of press freedom in the country and the criminalization of journalists who carry out their work critically.
"Guatemala witnesses how journalists are criminalized and how freedom of expression is attacked," the Government stated in its release. Additionally, it emphasized the importance of ensuring a conducive environment for journalistic practice and respect for press freedom.
For his part, José Rubén Zamora has denied the accusations against him and has reported that this is an attempt to silence his journalistic work. Several national and international organizations have expressed their concern for the case and have called for guarantees for the exercise of journalism in Guatemala.
In this context, Zamora's situation highlights the challenges faced by journalists in Guatemala and the need to strengthen the protection of press freedom in the country.
