Categories: World

Guatemalan court orders release of journalist jailed for nearly 2 years on money laundering charges

close Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for May 15

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.

A Guatemalan court ordered the release Wednesday of journalist José Rubén Zamora, jailed for nearly two years on money laundering charges.

Zamora, the 67-year-old founder of El Periodico newspaper, was sentenced to six years in prison last June for alleged money laundering. But that conviction and sentence were overturned by another court and a new trial ordered.

PROSECUTORS IN GUATEMALA ASK COURT TO LIFT PRESIDENT-ELECT’S IMMUNITY; OAS CITES ‘COUP ATTEMPT’

For nearly two years, he has been kept in jail.

But on Wednesday, a judge ruled that there was no longer justification to keep him in jail, noting that he was not considered a flight risk or a threat to the investigation. Zamora will spend the rest of his time before a new trial on a conditional release.

He was ordered to post a bond of nearly $4,800.

Guatemalan journalist Jose Ruben Zamora, founder of El Periodico newspaper, arrives to court in handcuffs for a hearing in Guatemala City, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Zamora has been jailed for almost two years and seeks his release. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

“During my entire life I have been the victim of attacks, abductions, aggressions for the work that I do,” Zamora said during Wednesday’s hearing.

Cristina Gómez, his defense attorney, said that his detention was arbitrary.

Guatemala’s former human rights ombudsman Jorge Duque agreed to guarantee Zamora’s appearance at future hearings. “It is the least I can do,” Duque said. “I know him and I know that he will continue facing the process against him.”

Press freedom groups had decried his prosecution as politically motivated.

El Periodico published numerous investigations critical of former President Alejandro Giammattei.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The charges stemmed from Zamora, 66, asking a friend to deposit a $38,000 donation to keep the newspaper going rather than depositing it himself. Zamora has said he did so because the donor did not want to be identified supporting an outlet in the sights of Giammattei.

The foundation of Nobel Prize winning writer Gabriel García Márquez awarded its excellence in journalism prize to Zamora on Tuesday.

Share

Recent Posts

Pope Francis’ tomb opens to visitors at Roman basilica, as 200K attend special Mass at St Peter’s Square

close Video Pope Francis' tomb opens to visitors at Rome's St. Mary Major Basilica The…

24 minutes ago

Cousin of infamous fraudster ‘Crazy Eddie’ out to bring down Trump nemesis NY AG Letitia James

close Video Notorious Crazy Eddie fraudster says he's at war with NY AG Letitia James…

34 minutes ago

Over 100 illegal immigrants arrested in Colorado Springs massive underground nightclub raid

close Video Law enforcement breaks into illegal nightclub in Colorado Springs, detains 100 illegal immigrants…

34 minutes ago

Florida ferry carrying dozens of passengers struck by boat in hit-and-run: ‘Mass casualty incident’

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for April 27 Fox News Flash top headlines…

34 minutes ago

Waltz doubles down on Hegseth praise amid ongoing Pentagon controversy

Trump national security adviser Mike Waltz reiterated the administration’s support for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth…

3 hours ago

Mass shooting in Myrtle Beach tourist hotspot leaves 1 dead, 11 wounded

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for April 27 Fox News Flash top headlines…

5 hours ago