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Guatemala: Council sanctions three individuals and one entity for undermining democracy and the rule of law

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU
Press release
12 June 2025 15:40

The Council decided today to impose restrictive measures on three additional individuals and one entity in relation to actions undermining democracy and the rule of law in Guatemala.

The Council remains deeply concerned about actions that undermine democracy and the rule of law in Guatemala, including through persistent instrumentalisation of the justice system. The Council is particularly concerned about continued attacks against the democratically elected government of President Arévalo and the misuse of legal and procedural measures to target elected officials, human rights defenders, journalists, indigenous leaders and independent judicial operators.

The Council has therefore listed the Foundation against Terrorism (FCT), its president Ricardo Rafael Méndez Ruiz Valdes, and its legal representative Raúl Amílcar Falla Ovalle for actions that undermine the rule of law in Guatemala, consisting in persecution and intimidation of representatives of the media, and of lawyers, judges and prosecutors.

The FCT and its members targeted by these sanctions have initiated a multitude of criminal investigations against justice operators, journalists and representatives of the government, and engaged in the intimidation of civil society and the judiciary.

The Council has also imposed restrictive measures on the first instance criminal judge of the Tenth Court in Guatemala, Jimi Rodolfo Bremer Ramírez, for actions undermining democracy and the rule of law in Guatemala, such as persecution and intimidation of representatives of the media, and of lawyers and prosecutors.

The EU restrictive measures now apply to eight individuals and one entity.Those designated are subject to an asset freeze,and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them.In addition, natural persons are subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territory.

These targeted sanctions are designed to hold accountable and affect only those responsible for engaging in, providing support for, or benefitting from actions that undermine democracy, the rule of law or the peaceful transfer of power in Guatemala. They are in no way sanctions against Guatemala, its population or its economy.

The EU and Guatemala have a long-standing partnership and the EU remains committed to supporting democracy in the country. The 2023 EU election observation mission, the EU's clear position in defence of the election results, its support for good governance, and the abovementioned targeted sanctions are all part of this effort.

The EU will continue to work with the Guatemalan government and all sectors of society to support a positive national agenda and to invest in inclusive and sustainable development for the benefit of all.

Background

To support the democratic transition and respect the will of the Guatemalan people, as expressed in their choice of thedemocratically elected government, the EU adopted a dedicated framework for restrictive measures in respect of Guatemala on 12 January 2024, to hold accountable those undermining democracy and the rule of law or obstructing the democratic transition following the 2023 general election, which resulted in a clear victory for President Bernardo Arévalo, as attested by the EU election observation mission (EOM) to Guatemala.

The first set of five listings was agreed in February 2024.