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 grants the Public Prosecutor’s Office’s request and the Supreme Court of Justice approves the preliminary hearing, Pérez could face criminal proceedings that would expose him to legal sanctions, ranging from administrative fines to trials in ordinary courts with possible prison sentences depending on the severity of the alleged crimes.
Furthermore, this case is unfolding amid tensions between the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Movimiento Semilla party, with multiple requests to lift immunity currently pending for various incidents, which has sparked public debate over the legitimacy and possible politicization of legal proceedings against figures close to President Arévalo.
Pérez’s situation is not merely an isolated incident of misconduct in the parliamentary chamber; it has escalated to a legal level that could determine his political future and influence in the country. If the lifting of his immunity is confirmed, the congressman will face proceedings in the ordinary justice system, with consequences yet to be determined.
