Guatemalan journalist José Rubén Zamora, founder of El Periodico newspaper, was released from jail after nearly two years on money laundering charges. He had been sentenced to six years in prison, but the conviction was overturned, and a new trial ordered. Zamora will remain on conditional release until the new trial, posting a bond of nearly $4,800. His detention was deemed arbitrary, and he was not considered a flight risk or threat to the investigation. Zamora has faced attacks and aggression throughout his life due to his work as a journalist.
Former human rights ombudsman Jorge Duque agreed to guarantee Zamora’s appearance at future hearings, stating it was the least he could do given his belief in Zamora’s commitment to facing the process against him. Press freedom groups condemned Zamora’s prosecution as politically motivated, as El Periodico had published critical investigations of former President Alejandro Giammattei. The charges stemmed from Zamora asking a friend to deposit a $38,000 donation to the newspaper, as the donor did not want to be identified supporting an outlet targeted by Giammattei.
On Wednesday, a Guatemalan court ordered the release of journalist José Rubén Zamora, who had been in jail for nearly two years on money laundering charges. The 67-year-old founder of El Periodico newspaper had been sentenced to six years in prison last June, but the conviction was overturned, and a new trial was ordered. Zamora was deemed not a flight risk or a threat to the investigation and will spend the time before the new trial on conditional release, posting a bond of $4,800. His detention was labeled as arbitrary, and supporters, including former human rights ombudsman Jorge Duque, expressed their belief in his commitment to facing the process against him.
Zamora’s defense attorney, Cristina Gómez, argued that his detention was arbitrary, and supporters such as former human rights ombudsman Jorge Duque offered to guarantee his appearance at future hearings. The prosecution of Zamora was seen as politically motivated, as El Periodico had published investigations critical of former President Alejandro Giammattei. The charges against Zamora were based on him asking a friend to deposit a $38,000 donation to keep the newspaper going, as the donor did not want to be identified supporting an outlet in the sights of Giammattei. Zamora has faced attacks and aggressions throughout his life due to the work he does as a journalist, and press freedom groups have condemned his prosecution.
The foundation of Nobel Prize-winning writer Gabriel García Márquez awarded its excellence in journalism prize to Zamora on Tuesday, highlighting his dedication and contributions to the field despite facing challenges such as his recent detention. Zamora has been recognized for his work as a journalist and the impact of El Periodico’s critical investigations, with supporters offering to guarantee his appearance at future hearings as a sign of solidarity and belief in his commitment to facing the legal process against him. Press freedom groups have continued to highlight the importance of protecting journalists and their ability to report without fear of persecution or reprisal, emphasizing the need for a free press to hold those in power accountable.
