US sanctions former Guatemalan president Alejandro Giammatte on corruption charges

America The former Guatemalan president gave his approval this Wednesday Alejandro Giamattei (2020-2024), barred him from entering his territory and accused him of corruption during his mandate.

In a statement, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed that the US had “credible information” indicating that the former president had “accepted”. Bribery In return for the performance of his public duties” during his mandate that ended this Sunday with the inauguration of Bernardo Arevalo de Leon.

Miller asserted that Giammattei's actions “undermined the rule of law and government transparency” in Guatemala.

“U.S. makes clear it supports Guatemalans seeking to hold corrupt officials accountable”included in the report.

The State Department added that Wednesday's action also bars the former president's children from entering U.S. soil: Ana Marcela Giammattei, Alejandro Eduardo Giammattei and Stefano Giammattei.

The decision to allow the former Guatemalan president comes just days after Arrivalo took office following a successful anti-corruption campaign.

The transfer of power in Guatemala and the previous electoral process were marked by attempts by the Ministry of Public Affairs (Prosecutor's Office) and the previous Congress to block the arrival of a new government.

In addition, the US Treasury Department agreed this Wednesday to impose a Economic sanction for former Guatemalan energy minister Alberto PimentelHe was a member of Giamatte's cabinet until July last year.

While in office, the United States accused him of accepting more than a million dollars in bribes from Guatemalan mining industry groups in exchange for exploitation licenses. According to the U.S. Treasury, Pimentel used his position within the government to retaliate against companies that refused to pay him.

Pimentel, who left office in July last year, has already been accused of corruption by the United States and was denied entry to the North American country in October.

“We stand in solidarity with the people of Guatemala in their efforts to foster greater transparency, accountability and government integrity within their system,” said Brian E. Nelson wrote in a statement.

Since 2021, the United States has imposed corruption sanctions on more than 400 Guatemalan individuals and entities, including Attorney General Consuelo Boras.

(with information from EFE)