Latin America

Published
3 days ago



EPA-EFE/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

José Zamora describes the charges against him as "political persecution"


A Guatemala court has sentenced leading journalist José Zamora to six years in jail for money laundering, in a case condemned by human rights groups. Zamora, 66, was also fined $38,000 (£30,000) - but cleared of blackmail and influence-peddling charges. He described the charges against him as "political persecution".

Zamora is the founder of El Periódico, a newspaper that regularly reported on alleged corruption involving President Alejandro Giammattei and his allies. The popular daily paper shut down in May after nearly 30 years in operation.

During the high-profile trial in capital Guatemala City, the state prosecutor's office sought a sentence of 40 years for the respected journalist.

Outside court, Zamora said he was "still innocent" of the charges against him, and that his wife had been forced into exile in the US over fears she might also be targeted by President Giammattei's government.

More:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-65910954