Location: Guatemala, Chiquimula
Date: January 31, 2024

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom applauds the court's decision to sentence former commissioner Ceferino Salquil Solval, along with police officers Olga Leticia Segura and Mirna Marleny Agustín, to 3 years and 9 months for the unlawful arrest of community journalist Norma Sancir. Sancir was arrested in September 2014 while performing her journalistic duties in the town of Camotán. Norma Sancir's relentless pursuit of justice, spanning over nine years, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to upholding the rights of community journalists. Her victory resonates as a triumph for community journalism and indigenous peoples' rights. The judge's acknowledgment that Sancir's detention was illegal and that her fundamental rights to press freedom and expression were violated is a pivotal moment in safeguarding the integrity of journalism in Guatemala. This verdict sends a resounding message that those who threaten and unlawfully detain journalists will be held accountable for their actions. It underscores the vital importance of a free and unimpeded press in a democratic society and reinforces the principle that journalists must be able to fulfill their critical reporting duties without fear of threats or retaliation.

A judge in Chiquimula has handed down a commutable sentence of 3 years and 9 months to the former commissioner Ceferino Salquil Solval and police officers Olga Leticia Segura and Mirna Marleny Agustín. They were found guilty of abuse of authority for unlawfully detaining journalist Norma Sancir in September 2014. Sancir was detained for four days for documenting the eviction of an indigenous community along the Guatemalan-Honduran border.

“It has been an economic, emotional, and physical drain because of the times we have had to show up and the wear and tear on the family,” says Sancir. The sentencing comes after a nine-year-long legal battle.

Expressing her satisfaction with the sentence, she added that the case was not about revenge but about ensuring the respect of freedom of expression and the rights of community journalists. Sancir adds the sentence "is evidence that we all have the right to freedom of expression and that no public official can violate it."

Throughout the trial, witnesses, including journalists, human rights defenders, and the motorcycle taxi driver who transported Sancir, provided testimonies supporting her case. The judge recognized that Sancir was detained illegally and that her rights to freedom of the press and expression were violated. The judge also considered expert opinions on community journalism and freedom of expression.

Sancir's victory is a win for community journalism and the recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples and women journalists. The defense lawyer, Jovita Tzul, called the sentence hopeful and expressed joy at the judge's ruling.

The next hearing, on February 5, will address Sancir's reparation measures. The lawyers will seek transformative measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom emphatically endorses Norma Sancir. We laud the judiciary's verdict that admonished those culpable for her unlawful detainment while she was merely executing her occupational responsibilities. It is of utmost importance that journalists are accorded the liberty to perform their cardinal reporting duties devoid of any intimidation or potential repercussions.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help women career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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