Congressman Samuel Pérez Álvarez, part of the political movement that rose to prominence alongside President Bernardo Arévalo, now finds himself embroiled in controversy after a confrontation that took place on January 14, 2025, within the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) recently submitted a petition to the courts seeking to remove his parliamentary immunity, having concluded that his conduct could represent significant administrative and criminal violations.
A Minor Incident or an Abuse of Authority with Serious Consequences
The case originated when the legislator intercepted a letter that another congressman, Neftalí Chocooj de Cabal, was trying to hand to President Bernardo Arévalo de León during the address marking the first year of his administration, and tore it apart. The Human Rights Prosecutor’s Office has described the act of ripping up the letter as a potential instance of abuse of authority and discrimination, criminal offenses that could warrant Congress granting authorization for a formal investigation.
Pérez himself responded with irony to the charge, calling it an instance of “lettericide” and asserting he had no aim to offend beyond political sparring, and he also dismissed the accuser by labeling him corrupt.
Why is it important to lift immunity?
In Guatemala, legislators receive immunity to safeguard their political independence, yet this protection can be lifted when signs of power misuse or discriminatory actions emerge.
If Congress authorizes the Public Prosecutor’s Office’s petition and the Supreme Court of Justice allows the preliminary hearing to proceed, Pérez may find himself subject to criminal action, potentially opening the door to penalties that span from administrative fines to proceedings in ordinary courts, where prison terms could be imposed depending on the gravity of the alleged offenses.
Furthermore, this case is developing amid ongoing friction between the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Movimiento Semilla party, where several immunity-lifting requests remain unresolved for different events, fueling public discussion about the legitimacy of these actions and the potential politicization of legal processes involving individuals linked to President Arévalo.
Pérez’s situation is not just an isolated episode of misconduct in the parliamentary chamber; it has advanced into a legal matter that may shape his political path and overall influence in the country. If the removal of his immunity is upheld, the congressman will enter proceedings within the regular justice system, where the outcomes remain undefined.
