Former Guatemalan President Banned from Entering USA
Former Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei Banned from Entering US
The US State Department has banned former Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei from entering the United States, accusing him of “corruption” just three days after his term ended.
The surprise decision comes amidst criticism from President Joe Biden’s administration, with State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stating, “The State Department has credible information that Giammattei accepted bribes in exchange for the performance of public duties and engaged in actions that undermined the rule of law and transparency of the government during his time as President of Guatemala.”
The statement emphasized the US’s determination to strengthen transparency and governance in Guatemala and the Western Hemisphere, using all means to encourage accountability for those who undermine these principles.
Investigations against Giammattei, who faced frequent corruption allegations during his time in office, have not advanced. The United States has also imposed sanctions on hundreds of Guatemalan officials and citizens accused of undermining the country’s democracy.
Bernardo Arevalo, who won the country’s presidential election in the second round on August 20, 2023, was only able to take the oath of office in Congress on January 14, as Giammattei left his post.
The ban on Giammattei’s entry into the US further underscores the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and hold those responsible accountable.
