Guatemalan journalist José Rubén Zamora Marroquín, released 11 days ago, emphasizes the importance of continuing to defend the truth in his country, despite the existence of a "para-judicial structure" that pursues informers. Zamora Marroquín was the founder of the now-defunct newspaper El Periódico, where he documented thousands of state corruption investigations from 1996 to 2023. He asserts that unity and cohesion are fundamental to continue investigating power.
Zamora Marroquín was sent to prison just five days after strongly criticizing then-president Alejandro Giammattei (2020-2024). He highlights the crucial role of the local press, news agencies, the United Nations, and the European Union in preventing his case from being forgotten and remaining imprisoned in the military barracks where he was held. He received the award for outstanding media in Ibero-America in 2021 for denouncing corruption in Guatemala.
The 68-year-old journalist returned home on October 19, after 813 days in prison accused of alleged money laundering. In his home, surrounded by paintings by Guatemalan artists, Zamora Marroquín strives to regain his life. He acknowledges that the situation in Guatemala is complex for journalists and laments their vulnerability in the country.
Zamora Marroquín keeps piles of boxes with files from El Periódico in his garage, which he considers remnants of a lifetime of work. He states that he will not be able to return to journalism soon, as he must continue defending himself in court at least until 2026. The aftermath of his imprisonment includes pulmonary issues, skin deterioration, and disturbing memories of his time in prison.
Despite everything, Zamora Marroquín expresses his determination not to flee. Although the Prosecutor's Office intends his return to prison citing a flight risk, the journalist insists on staying in his country and continuing to fight for the truth.
