Guatemala: Attorney General explains to the US Sandoval's dismissal

Protests in Guatemala after dismissal of prosecutor 4:05

(CNN Spanish) -

The Public Ministry of Guatemala published this Thursday a letter signed by the attorney general, María Consuelo Porras, explaining to Antony Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States, the reasons for the dismissal of special prosecutor Juan Francisco Sandoval , a measure that triggered Washington's decision to temporarily pause cooperation with the Guatemalan Prosecutor's Office.

Porras' letter, dated July 28, affirms that Sandoval "did not comply" with the guidelines "emanating from superiority."

It details that when the Special Prosecutor's Office against Impunity (FECI) was formed in 2019, it was established that it would depend "hierarchically on the Attorney General of the Republic and head of the Public Ministry, who is solely responsible for assigning the cases it knows."

• Giammattei says he feels "concerned" about the temporary pause on the part of the US in cooperation with the Public Ministry of Guatemala

"Consequently, in observance of the governing principles of this institution, as well as in accordance with the provisions of the other national regulations that regulate the operation of the Public Ministry, I made the decision to dismiss Mr. Juan Francisco Sandoval Alfaro," he adds.

Porras maintains that Sandoval's removal is legal, according to the Guatemalan Labor Code.

Torres criticizes Giammattei for dismissal of Sandoval 1:13

In the letter, which according to the Prosecutor's Office was sent to Secretary Blinken through "diplomatic channels", he also accuses "various social groups" of exerting pressure measures with the Public Ministry that "materialize in acts that at a given moment could be framed in criminal conduct such as disrespectful, offensive and defamatory publications, including inciting a national strike, with the sole purpose of coercing the attorney general of the Republic and head of the Public Ministry ".

Sandoval's reaction after the letter sent by the prosecutor to the United States

Following the publication of the letter, CNN contacted Sandoval to learn his reaction to the content of the letter.

The former prosecutor said that Porras "just two months ago" valued "a lot" the work carried out by the FECI.

"What change? What commitment did you make?" Sandoval asked.

Regarding his dismissal, he said that "there is no way to justify its legality."

CNN is trying to contact the US State Department to see if the letter reached Blinken's office.

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• Former prosecutor Sandoval: The 'sin' was to investigate Government authorities in Guatemala

Porras' note also highlights the relationship and cooperation between the two countries, which have "made it possible to advance significantly in strengthening justice and the fight against corruption and impunity."

Sandoval: The FECI was tied up since Porras arrived 1:04

The attorney general also asks Blinken to report to the Congress and Senate of the United States on "these serious acts that arbitrarily threaten Guatemalan justice."

"Finally, I respectfully request that this office be made aware of the official position of the Government of the United States of America, in relation to the continuity of cooperation with the Public Ministry of Guatemala, in order to take the pertinent actions to guarantee the services that are provided, "he adds.

Guatemala was the scene this Thursday of a national strike called by various organizations demanding the resignations of President Alejandro Giammattei and Attorney General Porras.

Michelle Mendoza contributed to this report.