Government honors women, including former prosecutor Virginia Laparra

President Bernardo Arévalo de León This Friday, March 8, he presented a recognition to the lawyer and exfiscal anti-corruption Virginia Laparra Rivaswho was imprisoned for more than a year for an administrative crime.

Arévalo de León awarded Laparra Rivas with the Order of Labor Excellence medal, in an event held at the National Palace of Culture, headquarters of the Government. Other prominent citizens were also recognized at the activity.

“We award the Order of Labor Excellence Medal to women who work and contribute to the comprehensive development of Guatemala,” the government authorities highlighted.

Bravery of former prosecutor Laparra stands out

Laparra was arrested on February 23, 2022, accused by Judge Lesther Castellanos of allegedly committing an administrative crime in 2018, when she served as an anti-corruption prosecutor in Quetzaltenango, the second most important city in the country.

The Guatemalan lawyer was sentenced in that case to four years of commutable prison and subsequently the Public Ministry (Prosecutor’s Office) opened a second case against her, accusing her of revealing confidential information from an investigation that she was in charge of.

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Laparra Rivas was released last January, when a criminal judge granted her house arrest. During her time in prison, dozens of local and foreign organizations petitioned for her release.

According to various sources, the arrest of Laparra Rivas was in revenge for his work in the fight against corruption in Guatemala.

The lawyer dedicated the award to the women who fight every day and also expressed her joy for the recognition.

“This medal does not erase the moments of affliction, torture and persecution. I know. But in her I recognize the courage, fortitude and strength of a woman who, with clear and strong convictions, has worked for a more just Guatemala,” said Arévalo de León.

At least 50 people, including prosecutors, judges and journalists, were judicially persecuted during the Government of Alejandro Giammattei (2020-2024) and the attorney general, Consuelo Porras. Both are sanctioned by the United States with the withdrawal of their visa due to allegations of corruption.

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