Freedom of Speech: Bruce Harris Trial in Guatemala

For those of us who work in the media and speak out on behalf of children who will never be heard, I turn your attention to this trial and ask that we ensure that this receive the national and internationl attention his work deserves. Corruption must never triumph. Those who oppose children being, shot, beaten, raped, drugged and sold should not be considered to be the ones who are the "bad guys" The fact that we are does not say a whole lot about any society any where. Denise Marhoefer Miracles Of Hope Network Please read more on his work Bruce Harris Director Casa-Alianza Latin America www.Casa-Alianza. org

New York, NY (PRWEB) January 18, 2004 --The Lawyers Committee for Human Rights today sent a letter to the new Guatemalan President, Oscar Berger, urging him to ensure the right to freedom of expression. The letter focused attention on the case of Bruce Harris, Latin America Programs Director of the childrens rights organization Casa Alianza. Harris was charged with criminal defamation in 1997, and is due to go on trial in Guatemala City on January 22. Neil Hicks, Director of the Lawyers Committees Human Rights Defenders Program, described the charges against Harris as constituting a violation of his fundamental right to freedom of expression and as a form of persecution against those who promote human rights in Guatemala."

Harris is being prosecuted for criminal defamation on the complaint of Ms. Susana Maria Luarca Saracho de Umaña and, if convicted, may be sentenced to five years imprisonment. The complaint is based on statements made by Harris at a 1997 press conference given jointly by Casa Alianza and the Guatemalan Solicitor Generals office. This press conference was organized to announce the results of an investigation conducted by Casa Alianza and the Solicitor Generals office into the trafficking of children through Guatemala. During the conference, Mr. Harris is said to have alleged that Ms. Umaña had used undue influence" with the government authorities in facilitating international adoptions. Ms. Umaña was among several other lawyers named in criminal accusations related to child trafficking filed after the joint investigation. In 1999, Guatemalas Constitutional Court ruled that only journalists are entitled to freedom of expression and Mr. Harris should be prosecuted in the criminal courts.

In its letter to President Berger, the Lawyers Committee states that the 1999 ruling of the Constitutional Court is overly restrictive and contravenes international human rights law. It further argues that criminal sanctions for defamation may be excessive and that the defense of truth should be available to answer a defamation charge. The letter further describes Bruce Harris important work with Casa Alianza and demands that all human rights defenders must be permitted to operate without obstruction or fear of retaliation, as required by the 1998 UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.

Human rights defenders in Guatemala face serious persecution by powerful individuals and groups who feel threatened by their work, on a daily basis," commented Hicks. These charges against Bruce Harris are simply one form of such persecution and the new Guatemalan president should recognize this and take action to ensure that all human rights defenders are able to express themselves freely and to continue their vital work without fear of violence, threats or spurious criminal charges."