Guatemala Congress strips electoral judges of immunity in troubled transition

Police stand guard as people gather during a protest accusing Guatemala's authorities of trying to block the accession of President-elect Bernardo Arevalo, in Guatemala City, Guatemala November 21, 2023. REUTERS/Cristina Chiquin/File Photo

GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) - Guatemala's ruling-party-led Congress on Friday stripped four electoral judges accused of fraud of their immunity from prosecution, in a move critics fear is aimed at blocking President-elect Bernardo Arevalo from taking office next month.

The move by Congress is seen as an attempt to appoint judges who oppose Arevalo's election and is the latest in a series of measures that could hinder the transition of power. The moves have sparked international condemnation and nationwide protests.