José Rubén Zamora, a 67-year-old journalist, has now spent two years in prison after being incarcerated on July 29, 2022. He is currently held at the Mariscal Zavala military prison, awaiting a new trial after his previous six-year sentence for money laundering, imposed in 2023, was overturned.
Global press freedom organizations, such as the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have called for his immediate release, arguing that the Guatemalan government is holding him without grounds.
During his detention, Zamora has endured psychological and physical abuse that has severely impacted his health. According to a psychological report submitted by doctor and psychologist Carlos Martín Berastain, Zamora recounted: “I lay curled up on the large towel my wife had sent me, everything was dirty and there were no blankets.” Among other atrocities, he has also faced sexual humiliation, an insect-infested cell, and lack of water for over 15 days.
Zamora’s son, along with Reporters Without Borders, met with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo, who promised to do everything possible to secure Zamora’s release as soon as possible:
“We have discussed with President Arévalo how the government can act in the case of the founder of elPeriódico in line with the decisions of international bodies such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations. We have stressed the importance of using the positions of these entities to advance the case. We hope the government will fulfill its promises and use all available instruments to find a quick and effective solution for José Rubén Zamora’s definitive release.”
José Rubén Zamora’s case highlights the severe challenges faced by journalists in Guatemala. The situation has sparked a strong international reaction, with numerous press organizations calling for his release and the protection of journalists’ rights.
The Free Press Alliance community continues to closely monitor the situation, hoping that President Arévalo’s actions and the Guatemalan government’s efforts will lead to a fair and swift resolution for Zamora. Meanwhile, his case remains a stark reminder of the risks journalists face in the fight for press freedom.