Guatemala's Supreme Court of Justice said on Tuesday it has suspended Judge Pablo Xitumul, who is known for his fight against corruption and handling high-profile cases against the military and former government officials.
The decision comes a day after the prominent Judge Erika Aifan resigned from the post and fled into exile to the United States, alleging persecution over her work as a renowned anti-corruption figure in the institution.
CICIG was shuttered in 2019 under the government of former President Jimmy Morales who refused to renew its mandate, effectively kicking the organization out of the country. He also sentenced Efrain Rios Montt, former leader of Guatemala, to 80 years for genocide and crimes against humanity in 2013. Xitumul was among the judges who denounced recent reports of persecution and harassment from unidentified armed individuals before the Public Ministry in June.The judge said there was nothing against him that has any merit in a court of law. "I trust my colleagues, but not the Attorney General's Office," he added.