The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala reported on Friday, January 26, that the Chargé d'Affaires, Patrick VentrellHe visited the journalist Jose Ruben ZamoraWho has been in prison since July 2022. This meeting came with the aim of verifying the situation in which he finds himself.
A picture was circulated on the social media networks of the diplomatic headquarters showing the American official accompanied by the head of the “El Periodico” newspaper, who is accused in two criminal cases.
Ventrell said, according to what was stated in the post: “I was able to visit journalist Jose Ruben Zamora, after 546 days in prison, to check on his health and physical safety.”
He added that he expressed to his compatriot the United States' continued commitment to independent journalism and freedom of expression as pillars of democracy in Guatemala.
You can also read: Patrick Ventrell: “Whoever undermines democracy in Guatemala is not welcome”
#now the @usembassyguate Reports that US Chargé d'Affaires Patrick Ventrell visited journalist José Rubén Zamora, who is still detained, to “verify his health and physical integrity” | via @dalvarado_eu https://t.co/mzQ4YzMl6n
– Emisoras Unidas (@EmisorasUnidas) January 26, 2024
Reporters Without Borders awards José Rubén Zamora
Reporters Without Borders awarded the Independence Prize to Guatemalan journalist José Rubén Zamora, who has been in prison for more than a year on money laundering charges. This honor was announced in November 2023, within the framework of the 31st edition of the Reporters Without Borders Prize for Freedom of the Press.
“Congratulations to José Rubén Zamora, winner of the 2023 Independence Prize!”, the international non-governmental and non-profit body of French origin expressed on its social networks.
At the same time, when announcing the winners in the different categories, he confirmed that the professional had been a victim of judicial harassment due to investigations into corruption in Guatemala revealed by his newspaper El Periodico, which had to close due to this situation.
Jose Carlos Zamora attended the ceremony to receive the award on behalf of his father, who is still detained. “Thank you for recognizing the tireless efforts of my father and the elPeriódico Journalism team over 27 years,” he said.
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