Feb 17 (V7N) -  UN experts have called for an independent investigation into Guatemala’s Attorney General Maria Consuelo Porras over alleged involvement in illegal adoptions of Indigenous children during the country’s civil war period.

In a statement released in Geneva on Monday, the experts said they had received information indicating that at least 80 Indigenous children were subjected to illegal international adoptions after being captured and forcibly disappeared between 1968 and 1996.

According to the statement, the children were allegedly taken to the Elisa Martinez Temporary Home, where Porras served as director and legal guardian from January 21 to August 30, 1982. The experts urged authorities to ensure a transparent and impartial inquiry into the serious allegations involving public officials.

The development came on the same day Porras, whose term as attorney general is set to end in May, failed in her bid to secure a position on Guatemala’s Constitutional Court. The UN experts also cautioned those responsible for electing magistrates to exercise careful consideration in light of the accusations.

AFP sought comment from the Guatemalan Prosecutor’s Office regarding the allegations, but no immediate response was received.

The 72-year-old prosecutor has previously been sanctioned by the United States and the European Union over corruption allegations. She has also faced criticism from the government and civil society groups, who accuse her of protecting criminals, an allegation she has denied.

Porras has repeatedly clashed with President Bernardo Arevalo, including launching an investigation into his Semilla party ahead of his inauguration in January 2024.

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