Guatemala’s president must veto oppressive civil society reforms
Guatemala’s President Alejandro Giammattei should veto a set of unconstitutional amendments passed by congress on Wednesday that pose serious risks to Guatemala’s democracy and the rights of its citizens to participate freely in their society. The reforms limit basic freedoms such as those of assembly, association and peaceful demonstration. Among many severe restrictions, the amendments leave a wide margin of discretion, allowing officials in the tax, finance and interior ministries to limit the actions of non-governmental organisations, and potentially close them down. “These