Claudia Paz y Paz

In Guatemala, the rule of law hangs in the balance following the ouster of human rights champion Claudia Paz y Paz from the post of attorney general. A right-leaning former Supreme Court justice, Thelma Esperanza Aldana Hernández, was named as Paz y Paz’s replacement, and may be about to roll back recent gains against corruption and human rights violations, analysts say.

GUATEMALA CITY – A list of finalists for Guatemala’s next attorney general contains six men and women. But one of the best candidates, acting Attorney General Claudia Paz y Paz, who leaves office this month, is not one of them.

GUATEMALA CITY – Guatemala’s highest court ruled last Friday that Attorney General Claudia Paz y Paz will be out of office in May, half a year before her original end of term.

GUATEMALA CITY – Guatemalan Attorney General Claudia Paz y Paz has been praised internationally as an advocate for human rights and the rule of law. At home, though, she’s facing stiff opposition from conservative elements of Guatemalan society who are uncomfortable with her campaign for human rights.