19 October 2026
18 October 2026 – We, the undersigned international organisations, express our strongest condemnation of the brutal murder of lawyer Juan Francisco Sólorzano Foppa, former head of the Superintendency of Tax Administration and former prosecutor at the Public Prosecutor’s Office. His tragic death represents an irreparable loss for his family and a serious attack on freedom of expression and the defence of human rights in Guatemala.
Juan Francisco Sólorzano Foppa dedicated his life to promoting justice and combating corruption and organised crime, and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to human rights. He used social media to courageously express his views, and his murder represents a serious attack on freedom of expression and the defence of human rights.
Statement in English Statement in Spanish
We urge the Guatemalan authorities to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into this heinous crime, ensuring that all those responsible are brought to justice. A lack of action and information from the authorities can lead to uncertainty, confusion and misinformation.
We call on the international community to show solidarity with the family of Juan Francisco Sólorzano Foppa, and to urge the State to shed light on what happened, as well as to guarantee the defence of human rights in Guatemala.
It is imperative that effective measures be taken to protect human rights defenders and to ensure a safe environment in which they can carry out their work without fear of reprisals. The memory of Juan Francisco Sólorzano Foppa must be honoured through concrete actions that strengthen freedom of expression and the defence of human rights. His legacy must not be allowed to be overshadowed by impunity.