For three years now, Lesbia Artola, defender and coordinator of the Comité Campesino del Altiplano (CCDA) in Guatemala’s Las Verapaces region has been the target of threats and defamation in the local and national media, as well as on social networks. Farmers and landowners in the region denounce her for organizing occupations of their land and for alleged links with organized crime. These threats and denunciations conceal vested interests aimed at hindering the activities of human rights defenders. In 2019, more than 700 criminal complaints were filed against CCDA members, most of them from families and companies with obvious territorial interests. For environmental and human rights defenders, Guatemala is among the most dangerous countries in the world.
Journalists are also subjected to this criminalization and harassment, often instigated by the state itself. As local journalist Carlos Choc put it: “The Internet and social networks are full of trolls who send threatening and defamatory messages”. Net Centers, small companies managing hundreds of fictitious social network accounts, are now frequently used to relentlessly harass and intimidate opponents of the Guatemalan elite. He explains that this strategy aims to discredit journalistic work and leads to attacks, including from government entities like public security agencies. The National Civil Police target journalists and media outlets, particularly during demonstrations or situations where they seek to suppress the dissemination of compromising events to maintain impunity for crimes or rights violations in rural areas.
With the absence of tangible evidence, these journalists and defenders are frequently embroiled in lengthy and expensive legal proceedings, but their determination and convictions inspire them to continue their struggle. They constantly adapt to denounce injustice and resist censorship and repression, emphasizing physical and digital security. Collaboration at local, national and international levels is a priority, underlining the crucial importance of partnerships with international organizations. For instance, Peace Brigades International (PBI) organizes advocacy tours to enable defenders to showcase their work at the Human Rights Council and other UN forums, denounce intimidation and put pressure on the Guatemalan government with the support of the international community. At the same time, PBI offers support in the field to strengthen their security.
In a context where Guatemalan civil society is increasingly restricted, seeking outside support has become essential, as one Guatemalan activist pointed out during her visit to Switzerland: “It’s important for us to know that we’re not alone.”