Guatemala arrests Indigenous leader of 2023 protests, accusing him of terrorism

GUATEMALA CITY — Authorities in Guatemala made headlines on Wednesday with the arrest of an Indigenous leader who played a key role in nationwide protests back in 2023. These protests were aimed at ensuring a smooth transition of power for then President-elect Bernardo Arévalo, while also calling for the resignation of the country’s attorney general.

The arrest of Luis Pacheco, who now serves in Arévalo’s government, was on charges of terrorism and illicit association, as per sources from the Attorney General’s Office who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the case being under judicial reserve.

In a show of solidarity, Pacheco had led a coalition of 48 Indigenous communities in peaceful demonstrations that effectively paralyzed highways across Guatemala for a period of three weeks in October 2023.

Despite Arévalo’s overwhelming victory in the elections that prior August, the Attorney General’s Office persisted in its investigation into the election process and members of Arévalo’s party. Allegations included improper collection of signatures necessary for the party’s formation.

The focus of much of this controversy has been Attorney General Consuelo Porras, who has faced criticism for her refusal to step down or halt investigations into Arévalo’s party. She has even been sanctioned by the U.S. government for allegedly obstructing corruption probes.

Arévalo vehemently defended Pacheco’s arrest, describing it as baseless and unjust, accusing the authorities of trampling on fundamental rights and principles that are supposed to be protected.

According to Attorney Francisco Vivar, federal agents prevented access to Pacheco’s residence during the arrest, and his whereabouts have been unknown since.

Pacheco, a member of the K’iche’ people, had cited a live broadcast raid on electoral offices as the turning point that mobilized the community he represented. The raid involved federal agents seizing boxes of precinct vote tally sheets, despite objections from electoral officials. Pacheco emphasized the importance of respecting the voters’ decisions.

Following Arévalo’s assumption of power, Pacheco was appointed as a deputy minister for sustainable development within the Energy and Mines Ministry.

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