The United States declared visa restrictions on approximately 300 Guatemalan nationals on Monday, accusing them of undermining democracy and the rule of law.
Out of those on whom visa restrictions were imposed, over 100 are members of the Guatemalan Congress, VisaGuide.World reports.
The spokesperson for the States Department, Mathew Miller, confirmed in a statement that such measures, which were taken under the Immigrant Nationality Act, will continue to be imposed on any individual who undermines Guatemala’s democracy.
Today’s actions reinforce previous measures by the U.S. government to promote accountability for corrupt and undemocratic actors in Guatemala and to support the will of the Guatemalan people. The Guatemalan people have spoken. Their voices must be respected.
Bernardo Arevalo was elected as the President of Guatemala, as affirmed by the certified vote results on August 28 this year, the US Department of State announced that time. However, in recent months, he has been facing barriers to taking office.
The Guatemalan Public Ministry accuses him of money laundering and the alleged use of false documents in establishing his party, the Semilla Movement.
In this regard, the electoral authority offices were subjected to raids, arrest warrants were sought, and last week, the ministry announced another request to revoke President Arévalo’s immunity, as reported by CNN.
Commenting on these recent events, Miller stated that such actions provide clear evidence of the Public Ministry’s intent to undermine Guatemala’s democratic process and obstruct the peaceful transition of power.
The United States strongly condemns ongoing anti-democratic actions by Guatemala’s Public Ministry and other malign actors who undermine Guatemala’s rule of law.
According to him, such actions violate the Inter-American Democratic Charter. He also noted that the United States supports individuals striving to protect democracy and the rule of law in Guatemala, aiming to guarantee respect for the will of the Guatemalan people.
This month, the US State Department also implemented a visa ban on Israeli settlers in the West Bank for being involved in undermining peace, security, and stability in this Palestinian territory.
Before this measure was taken, the President of the US, Joe Biden, warned that America may ban visas for Israeli lawbreakers who commit violence against Palestinians living in the West Bank.