Human rights conditions for lawyers and members of the judiciary in Guatemala have deteriorated.
A marked increase has been reported in instances of intimidation, criminal assault and killing of lawyers and judges, especially those who have been active in pursuing violators of human rights during the internal conflict. A substantial decrease in the budget for the judiciary endangers its efficient functioning. The implementation of the Law of the Judicial Career and the judgement in the case of Bishop Gerardi were among the positive steps the country has taken during this period.
Attacks on Justice 2002 – Guatemala [full text, PDF]