Central America
Mayor of San Salvador files unconstitutionality suit against the distribution of funds to municipalities
Ernesto Muyshondt, mayor of San Salvador, filed an unconstitutionality suit in the Supreme Court, against the distribution of funds approved by the Congress.
The funds approved by the Congress, in the mayor’s opinion, are unfair and against the most populated municipalities, since in his opinion they are the ones that need the most resources to help its citizens.
“We do not propose that the allocation of funds should exclude municipalities with smaller populations, since they also have needs. We want the funds to benefit as many people as possible,” said the mayor.
Central America
Guatemala’s Attorney General Fails in Bid for Top Court Seat Amid Corruption Allegations
The Attorney General of Guatemala, Consuelo Porras, failed on Tuesday in her bid to join the country’s highest constitutional court, a position that would have granted her immunity from corruption allegations for which she has been sanctioned by the United States and the European Union.
Porras, whose term as attorney general ends in May, did not receive a single vote in the final round of voting to become a magistrate of the Corte de Constitucionalidad, whose rulings are final and cannot be appealed.
The Supreme Court reelected Dina Ochoa and Claudia Paniagua as its representatives to the Constitutional Court.
Ochoa is considered close to former presidents Jimmy Morales (2016–2020) and Alejandro Giammattei (2020–2024), both accused of corruption. Paniagua, like Porras, has been sanctioned by the United States.
Washington and the European Union have labeled Porras as “corrupt” and “undemocratic,” accusing her of attempting to block the inauguration of Social Democratic President Bernardo Arévalo two years ago.
In addition, the 72-year-old attorney general—who is seeking a third term—has been accused of forcing anti-corruption officials, journalists, and social leaders into exile. She denies the allegations and claims they are part of a political persecution campaign.
Porras’ chances of remaining in office, a position she has held since 2018, are considered slim, as President Arévalo is responsible for appointing the next attorney general.
Central America
Panama Canal Monitoring Trade as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Shipping
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) said Monday it is closely monitoring global maritime trade developments following the conflict triggered by joint U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran.
However, the ACP described it as “premature” to predict potential consequences for vessel traffic through the interoceanic waterway, which handles roughly 5% of global maritime trade.
“The Panama Canal continuously monitors the evolution of international maritime trade and the dynamics that may influence its flows,” the authority said in a statement. The canal’s main users are the United States and China, connecting primarily the U.S. East Coast with Asia, including South Korea and Japan.
The ACP emphasized that the canal “continues to operate safely, efficiently, and reliably,” providing uninterrupted service to the global maritime community.
Global Shipping Disruptions
The U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory actions have disrupted global maritime traffic, particularly oil tanker routes.
Shipping giants Maersk and CMA CGM have suspended transits through the Strait of Hormuz as well as crossings via the Suez Canal, the key route linking the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
As a result, cargo vessels are now rerouting around Africa to reach Europe from the Middle East and Asia — a detour that adds several thousand kilometers and several days to voyages.
Central America
Washington Imposes Visa Ban on La Modelo Director Amid Crackdown in Nicaragua
The United States government announced Wednesday that it has imposed visa restrictions on Roberto Clemente Guevara Gómez, director of Nicaragua’s largest prison, La Modelo, for his involvement in actions that violate human rights.
In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the measure is intended to promote accountability for abuses committed under what he described as the “Murillo-Ortega dictatorship” against political prisoners.
Rubio specified that Guevara Gómez was designated for participating in “a gross violation of the human rights of a political prisoner.” The sanction was issued under the 2024 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, which bars the sanctioned individual — and potentially immediate family members — from entering the United States.
“United States demands the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners unjustly detained in Nicaragua,” the statement added.
Ongoing tensions between Washington and Managua
Washington rejected Nicaragua’s November 2021 elections, in which President Daniel Ortega and his wife, now co-president Rosario Murillo, were reelected while seven potential challengers were in prison.
Relations between the two countries remain tense amid expanding U.S. sanctions and increasing diplomatic pressure on the Nicaraguan government.
On January 10, marking Ortega’s 19 years in power, Nicaragua released “dozens of detainees,” including political prisoners. The move came one day after the U.S. Embassy in Managua stated that “more than 60 people” remain “unjustly detained or disappeared” in the Central American nation.
U.S. officials have continued to push for the “unconditional release” of political prisoners rather than selective or temporary releases.
Ortega, 80, governs alongside Murillo with consolidated authority, having strengthened executive power through constitutional reforms and security measures, while the opposition has been weakened by imprisonment, exile, and the revocation of citizenship and property rights.
New York Announces First 2,000 Seats in Universal 2-K Program
Warner Bros. Developing First ‘Game of Thrones’ Movie With ‘Andor’ Writer
Guatemala’s Attorney General Fails in Bid for Top Court Seat Amid Corruption Allegations
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
-
International2 days agoIran Reports 201 Dead, 747 Injured After U.S. and Israeli Strikes
-
International2 days agoPope Leo XIV Urges End to ‘Spiral of Violence’ in Middle East
-
International4 days agoTrump Floats “Friendly Takeover” of Cuba Amid Rising Tensions
-
Sin categoría3 days agoTrump: ‘We Think It’s True’ Amid Claims Iran’s Supreme Leader Was Killed
-
International3 days agoSecurity Council to Hold Emergency Meeting on Middle East Crisis
-
International1 day agoBrazil’s Supreme Court Rejects Bolsonaro’s Bid for House Arrest
-
International4 days agoArgentina’s Senate Reviews Milei-Backed Labor Overhaul
-
International1 day agoAnti-ICE Billboard Campaign Targets Immigration Spending in 31 U.S. Cities
-
International1 day agoTrump Warns of ‘Major Wave’ of Attacks as Iran Conflict Escalates
-
International1 day agoMexico Calls for Immediate Probe After National Dies in ICE Custody
-
Central America1 day agoPanama Canal Monitoring Trade as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Shipping
-
International1 day agoBolivia Orders Three Investigations Into Deadly Military Plane Crash
-
International4 hours agoNew York Announces First 2,000 Seats in Universal 2-K Program
-
International4 hours agoSpain’s Prime Minister to Address Nation Amid Trump’s Trade Threats
-
Central America4 hours agoGuatemala’s Attorney General Fails in Bid for Top Court Seat Amid Corruption Allegations
-
International4 hours agoWarner Bros. Developing First ‘Game of Thrones’ Movie With ‘Andor’ Writer