UN experts suspect that journalist Zamora of Guatemala, who is in jail, may have been tortured

According to the United Nations, journalist Jose Ruben Zamora has been detained in Guatemala for the past two years and is being subjected to cruel treatment that may be considered torture.

Zamora, the founder of the now-defunct elPeriodico newspaper, was detained in July 2022 on suspicion of money laundering. Despite this, he claims he is a political prisoner because of his activities against Alejandro Giammattei, the country’s then-president.

The U.N. claimed that Zamora’s detention circumstances “may amount to torture and endanger his life,” citing a study from a panel of experts. It also asked Guatemalan authorities to “urgently address the allegations of inhumane conditions.”

According to the experts, Zamora endured over two years of forced nudity, sleep deprivation, and solitary imprisonment in nearly complete darkness.

The conditions in the prison allegedly led to a “serious deterioration in his physical and mental health, rapid weight loss and declining eyesight,” and exacerbated a neurological issue that was already present.

“We are seriously concerned that Mr. Zamora, aged 67, has not received adequate medical treatment,” according to the specialists. “The allegations would violate the absolute ban on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatments or punishments.”

At this week’s hearing, Zamora wanted house arrest; instead, the judge allowed him to be released from prison. Zamora, however, is required to stay behind bars because he is also being prosecuted separately for obstructing justice.

Rafael Curruchiche, the prosecutor overseeing the case, is one of the corrupt individuals on the U.S. Engel List and has been sanctioned in more than 40 countries for his “anti-democratic” conduct.

Zamora’s case has been prolonged by the prosecutor’s nonattendance at hearings.

In addition, Curruchiche is spearheading an effort to revoke the criminal immunity of the incumbent president, Bernardo Arevalo, in order to prosecute him for purported abuses of power. Arevalo disputes the accusations; he ran on a platform against corruption.

Following his hearing on Monday, Zamora told reporters, “I feel free, even though I am imprisoned arbitrarily.” “I am free in spirit. Even though I miss my family, I feel completely free.”

Zamora was designated as a prisoner of conscience earlier this month by Amnesty International. Two more examples of suspected arbitrary imprisonment in Guatemala are being looked into by the United Nations.