Chair of Transparency International visits imprisoned Guatemalan anti-corruption activist at critical time for civil society
François Valérian meets with José Rubén Zamora as ongoing civil society attacks hold back meaningful progress in addressing corruption and protecting rule of law
Berlin — Yesterday, Transparency International Chair François Valérian visited imprisoned Guatemalan journalist and anti-corruption advocate José Rubén Zamora, in a powerful gesture of solidarity at a time of intensifying threats to civil society in Guatemala and the wider region. He was joined by Manfredo Marroquín, founder of Acción Ciudadana, Transparency International’s chapter in Guatemala, which continues to play a vital role in defending democratic space and fighting corruption in the country.
Zamora, founder of the investigative newspaper El Periódico, has long faced judicial harassment and criminalization in retaliation for exposing corruption at the highest levels of government. Although he was conditionally released in 2024, authorities returned him to prison in March 2025 after a brief period of house arrest was revoked, a move emblematic of the serious legal irregularities plaguing his case, including the arrest of members of his legal team and sustained pressure on his defense.
For years, Zamora and his newsroom were subject to death threats, surveillance, and other forms of intimidation. El Periódico was forced to shut down in 2023 under relentless political and financial pressure—a loss that marked a severe blow to press freedom in Guatemala.
François Valérian, Chair of Transparency International, said:
“José Rubén Zamora is a symbol of courage in the face of corruption and repression. His continued imprisonment not only results from incomprehensible judicial decisions, but is a warning sign for all who believe in democracy and the rule of law.”
Transparency International demands a reform of Guatemala’s judicial system so that it fights the corrupt and not those exposing corruption. We reaffirm the essential role of independent journalism in exposing abuse of power and defending public integrity.
We stand in solidarity with José Rubén Zamora, with Acción Ciudadana, and with all those across the region who risk their safety to uphold accountability and transparency.
