Guatemala rights official elected
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ramiro de Leon Carpio, 51, Guatemala's human rights prosecutor, was sworn in as president early yesterday and pledged to rebuild democracy, five days after the army deposed the president, Jorge Serrano, in a bloodless palace coup, Reuter reports from Guatemala City.
Congress voted almost unanimously for Mr De Leon after his only rival, Arturo Herbruger, president of the electoral tribunal, withdrew. 'I am a democrat who will fight for liberty, but more than anything I will not tolerate violence or injustice,' said Mr De Leon Carpio, who had been placed under house arrest on 25 May after Mr Serrano seized emerency powers.
In Washington, the White House welcomed his election with cautious optimism. 'We are tentatively encouraged by the restoration of democracy and civilian rule in Guatemala,' a spokesman said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments