Hundreds of citizens took to the streets this July 24 to participate in various marches in which they rejected the electoral crisis created in Guatemala as a result of a judicial resolution seeking to abolish the legal entity of the Seed Movement, which will go to a joint vote with the United Hope National (UNE).

Since the weekend, various sectors such as students, social organizations and the general public have used social networks to call for marches in the capital and departments.

The call is for a nationwide strike which is also trying to get companies to join in and not open for business and take to the streets to show rejection of the current situation.

At the University Hall, in zone 1 of the capital, medical students and doctors met to participate in a parade at the capital’s Historical Center.

The protesters also received support from other social organizations and residents who made their way to the center.

Citizens demand free elections, without pressure from judges and Guatemala’s wish to be respected at the polls.

They also criticize corruption and the co-optation of State power and point out that the taxes paid by Guatemala do not support those who commit acts of corruption.

Froilán Cutzal, is an antique dealer and from his business he joins in the protests.

He explained that he supports the march because every citizen should do it for their children and future generations and that they see that real change is being fought for.

“We want true democracy, not the thieves that exist today,” said Cutzal.

Doctors took to the streets but before that they treated patients in the emergency room and in the operating room. One group remained treating patients while the others demonstrated.

The doctors and students headed to the Human Rights Ombudsman’s Office and demanded to speak to the head of the agency.

The entrance was closed but they finally managed to meet him and present their demands.

The protesters criticized lawyer José Alejandro Córdova Herrera that during this election crisis he has not monitored or defended the rights that have been violated.

Another group of people came to the Plaza de la Constitución to protest the judicial nature of the election and for this reason they asked for the resignations of Judge Fredy Orellana and prosecutor Rafael Curruchiche, who together with Attorney General Consuelo Porras were sanctioned by the United States, which considers them “corrupt and undemocratic” actors.

The parade of doctors then headed to the Public Ministry headquarters in zone 1 of the capital. As the walk took place, several residents joined in the protest.

There, at the MP headquarters, another group of citizens demonstrated against Porras and Curruchiche.

The demonstrators chanted “Consolation, coup leader” and demanded that the Curruchiche prosecutor be removed from office.

They also pointed out that the MP’s protest was to defend democracy and demand his resignation.

Another group of people met in front of Court Tower to demand the resignation of Judge Fredy Orellana and demand that the Attorney General’s Office not get involved in purely election matters.

in the department

In Santa Cruz del Quiché, Quiché, a group of people participate in a march in front of the Government Department. On the site, residents ask that the will of the people expressed at the polling stations be respected and that the second round of elections be respected.

In Totonicapán, a table was set up to publish statements on the electoral crisis in Guatemala.

In Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepéquez, groups of citizens were also seen marching through the streets of the city to resist legal action trying to stop the August 20 vote.

In Huehuetenango the call for a demonstration was made at 15.00.

They didn’t let them in

During the protest, a group of protesters prevented people from entering the parliament building for several minutes.

Many people who showed up today for fingerprinting were involved in a case being investigated in the unit, but a group of protesters prevented them from entering.

It bothers the people who have to mark, because they have a special day to do it.

At the venue several people rebuked the demonstrators for blocking the entry and exit of MPs, but they said that a strike had been declared and why had they come to carry out the procedures if it was known that there would be protests.

Another group of protesters came to the area to demand that access to the MP be stopped and they were reminded that that was not the way to protest.

After more than half an hour, people were being let in and out of the MP.

Free Press Video: Andrea Dominguez.

Outside Guatemala

The rejection of the current electoral crisis was also expressed outside Guatemala.

A group of Guatemalans, through banners and videos, opposed the lawmaker’s actions, besides putting up posters of their rejection in front of the Guatemalan embassy in the UK.