FY2018_Q3_Technical_Report_SJSRP.pdf

SECURITY AND JUSTICE

SECTOR REFORM PROJECT

QUARTERLY REPORT

(APRIL 1 – JUNE 30, 2018)

July 20, 2018 This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc.

SECURITY AND JUSTICE SECTOR

REFORM PROJECT

Contract No. AID-520-C-12-00004

QUARTERLY REPORT

(April 1 – June 30, 2018)

Prepared by:

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc.

1899 L St, NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036

July 20, 2018

DISCLAIMER

The authors’ views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Acronyms ............................................................................................................. i

Executive Summary ...................................................................................................... iii

Resumen Ejecutivo ....................................................................................................... vi

1.0 PROGRAM PROGRESS AND HIGHLIGHTS

1.1 Activity Reporting

1.1.1 Lower Level Result 1: Greater state capacity to manage security and justice administration

1.1.2 Lower Level Result 2: Greater state capacity to provide security and justice for citizens

1.1.3 Cooperation with Other Organizations and Donor Agencies

2.0 CROSS-CUTTING COMPONENTS / ACTIVITIES

2.1 Security and Justice Sector Activities Fund (Sub-Awards)

2.3 Rapid Response Fund (RRF)

2.3 Gender Integration

2.4 Summary of Training Activities and Events

3.0 SHORT-TERM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE EFFORTS

3.1 Short-Term Technical Assistance Consultancies

4.0 MONITORING AND EVALUATION ACTIVITIES

5.0 SPECIAL REPORTING

5.1 Administrative Issues

Annexes:

Annex A. Training Chart Annex B. Presentation on the Integrated Justice System in Cobán

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. i

LIST OF ACRONYMS

CC Constitutional Court

CECON Center for Conservationist Studies of San Carlos University

CICIG International Commission Against Impunity CIDEJ Center for Information and Judicial Statistics

CNSAFJ National Commission for Justice Sector Strengthening

CSJ Supreme Court

DEIC Specialized Criminal Investigation Division of the National Civilian Police

DICRI Directorate for Criminal Investigation of the Public Ministry

DIFEP Special Forces Division of the National Civilian Police

EFI Interdisciplinary Forensic Team

FADS Familiares y Amigos contra la Delincuencia y el Secuestre

FY Fiscal Year

GOG Government of Guatemala

IDPP Public Defense Institute (Instituto de la Defensa Pública Penal)

INACIF National Institute of Forensic Science (Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Forenses de Guatemala)

INL United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs

ISO International Organization for Standardization

IT Information Technology

JPPPP First Pluripersonal Justice of the Peace Criminal Court

LGBTI Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Transsexual and Intersex

LLR Lower Level Result

M&E Monitoring and Evaluation

MINGOB Ministry of Governance

MP Public Ministry (Ministerio Público)

NDI National Democratic Institute

NIMD Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. ii

OJ Judicial Branch (Organismo Judicial)

PCDEG Democratic Criminal Policy of Guatemala

PGN Solicitor General’s Office

PNC

National Civilian Police (Policía Nacional Civil)

QR Quarter

RRF

Rapid Response Fund SJSIs Security and Justice Sector Institutions

SJSRP Security and Justice Sector Reform Project

UNICAP Training Unit of the Public Ministry

USAID United States Agency for International Development

USG United States Government

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. iii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

During the quarter of April to June, 2018, the fight against corruption and the conflict between sectors that either support or reject it continued to dominate the national context. This conflict was complicated by the death of former Guatemalan President and Guatemala City Mayor Alvaro Arzú on April 27. Arzú was identified as a leader among those who opposed the work carried out by the Public Ministry (MP) and the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG).

Also this quarter, the election process for the new Attorney General was finalized – a process which all sides considered a key battle for the future of the fight against corruption. The Postulation Commission, led by the President of the Supreme Court (CSJ), carried out a process that was deemed ethical and impartial, and ultimately the President of Guatemala chose one of the two highest ranking candidates: Consuelo Porras. Ms. Porras has a long history in the justice sector and emphasized that she will continue to coordinate with CICIG and support the fight against corruption.

Also important was the change of presidency in the Constitutional Court (CC), from Magistrate Francisco de Mata Vela to Magistrate Dina Ochoa in April. By constitutional mandate, every CC magistrate sits as president for one year.

Last quarter’s change in the Ministry of Governance’s leadership continued to have consequences this quarter. This change is interpreted by some as a setback in important advances in the police career and a way for the executive branch to hinder the fight against corruption.

In Congress, lawmakers attempted to reach agreements to reform the law on illicit electoral finance to reduce penalties and to benefit political party general secretaries and those who finance campaigns.

These efforts were particularly relevant given that on May 19, MP/CICIG presented a second part of the Illicit Electoral Financing Case, which included additional information regarding an alleged meeting in which President Morales and seven representatives of Guatemala’s largest businesses agreed on a fraudulent mechanism to contribute funds to the governing party without entering the politicians’ accounts. Congress also included in the legislative agenda the Law on Accepting Charges, which establishes a mechanism to reduce sentences for those accused of crimes who admit to their involvement and cooperate with the justice sector. However, neither law has been approved because Congress has not been able to reach an agreement, which is attributed in part to Arzú’s death and the fact that civil society and the media have maintained an oversight campaign called #PactoDeCorruptos that tracks the progress of both laws.

Guatemala also suffered a great tragedy in June with the eruption of the Volcán de Fuego, which destroyed two communities. National and international focus turned to the provision of humanitarian aid for its victims. The tragedy, although caused by a natural phenomenon, was seen as partially the result of the failure of the Morales administration to follow immediate evacuation protocols and provide appropriate response to the disaster.

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. iv

Despite this polarized context surrounding the continued fight against corruption, the Security and Justice Sector Reform Project (SJSRP) continued to carry out its planned activities without major complications, achieving results in a number of its technical activities.

Under Sub Lower Level Result (LLR) 2.1, Greater state capacity to provide security and justice for citizens, the SJSRP continued working with each of its institutional counterparts to build upon previous achievements and work toward current goals. In the Judicial Branch (OJ), the SJSRP continued to provide technical assistance and training to strengthen the 24 Hour Courts, High Risk Courts, and Pluripersonal Court models. Of particular note was the inauguration of the new headquarters for the 24 Hour Court in Sacatepéquez, as well as the signing of an interinstitutional agreement for the implementation of a 24 Hour Court in Chiquimula – both of which received technical, logistical and financial assistance from the SJSRP.

In the Public Defense Institute (IDPP), the SJSRP provided technical and financial assistance to carry out various trainings and working group discussions on themes ranging from special investigation methods to international instruments in human rights and criminal defense. The SJSRP also supported the IDPP in publishing and presenting the twelfth addition of the Public Defenders’ Journal.

In the Public Ministry, the SJSRP provided technical, logistical and financial assistance in preparing and presenting various reports on the Administration of Attorney General Thelma Aldana, as well as supporting a seamless transition to the new administration led by Consuelo Porras.

Under Sub LLR 2.4, Support the Government of Guatemala (GOG) in presenting reforms and implementing key legislation, the SJSRP made advances in several key laws, including concluding final drafts of the Criminal Code, Procedural Code for Labor and Social Security, and Law on Biological Diversity, which were delivered to the corresponding GOG counterparts for presentation to Congress. Also significant was the emission of favorable opinions by the Governance Commission of the Guatemalan Congress and the Commission for National Security Matters on the National Civilian Police (PNC) Organic Law, bringing it one step closer to passage. The SJSRP also supported counterparts in the implementation of the Judicial Career Law, Organic Law of the Legislative Branch, Misdemeanor Procedures (Decree 7-2011), the Public Ministry Organic Law and the Democratic Criminal Policy, through trainings and working group meetings.

Under Sub LLR 2.5, Strengthen the GOG’s capacity to investigate and prosecute corruption cases, the SJSRP continued the successful implementation of its case investigation and litigation methodology in the MP Anti-Corruption Center and the Prosecutor’s Office against Extortion, resulting in increased efficiency in investigations and case management, more effective operations, and stronger litigation during the trial stage. As a result of this support, this quarter the Prosecutor’s Offices specialized in Administrative Crimes and Internal Affairs carried out nine field operations, and the Prosecutor’s Office against Extortion carried out two massive operations. Also this quarter, the sixth regional Prosecutor’s Office against Extortion was inaugurated in Suchitepéquez, with logistical and financial support from the SJSRP.

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. v

Also under Sub LLR 2.5, the Project continued efforts to increase transparency and accountability in Security and Justice Sector Institutions (SJSIs). This quarter, both the MP Prosecutor’s Office against Extortion and the Constitutional Court received certification in International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 norms, and the SJSRP and MP signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work toward ISO certification in the MP’s Performance Evaluation Unit. The Project also advanced with electronic notification and archive digitalization projects in the CC and OJ, leading to greater efficiency and transparency in each of the courts.

Finally, the SJSRP continued its efforts to promote and implement Gender Equality Policies in the OJ, IDPP, National Institute of Forensic Science (INACIF) and MP.

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. vi

RESUMEN EJECUTIVO

Durante el trimestre abril a junio, la lucha contra la corrupción y la pugna entre sectores que la apoyan o rechazan siguió dominando el contexto nacional. La correlación de fuerzas en el ámbito político se vio afectada por la muerte del expresidente y alcalde de la Ciudad Álvaro Arzú el 27 de abril, quien era identificado como el líder del sector que se oponía al trabajo del MP-CICIG.

Un aspecto importante del trimestre fue la finalización del proceso de elección de Fiscal General, que ambos sectores miraban como una batalla clave respecto de la continuidad o terminación de la lucha contra la corrupción. La Comisión de Postulación, liderada por el presidente de la Corte Suprema de Justicia, realizó un papel que se ha calificado como ético e imparcial y posteriormente el presidente eligió a una de las dos candidatas con el más alto punteo, Consuelo Porras, quien tiene experiencia en el sector justicia y manifestó que continuará el trabajo coordinado con CICIG en la lucha contra la corrupción.

Otro relevo fue el que se dio en abril, cuando la Magistrada Dina Ochoa asumió como nueva presidenta de la Corte Constitucionalidad en sustitución de Francisco de Mata Vela. Por mandato constitucional cada magistrado ejerce un año la presidencia de dicho órgano.

Un constante que inició en el trimestre anterior y se mantuvo en el presente fueron los cambios de la cúpula policial realizados por el Ministro de Gobernación nombrado en enero por el Presidente Jimmy Morales. Dichos cambios han sido interpretados como un retroceso de importantes avances en la carrera policial y una manera de obstaculizar la lucha contra la corrupción desde el ejecutivo.

En el Congreso de la República se hicieron esfuerzos por alcanzar acuerdos para reformar el delito de financiamiento electoral ilícito para reducir las penas y con ello beneficiar tanto a los secretarios generales de los partidos políticos, incluido el presidente Morales, como a los financistas de campaña.

Estos esfuerzos cobraron mayor importancia después que el 19 de mayo el MP y la CICIG presentaron la segunda parte del Caso Financiamiento Electoral Ilícito en el cual se aportaron más datos de una supuesta reunión en la que el Presidente Jimmy Morales y siete miembros de las empresas más grandes del país acordaron un mecanismo fraudulento para aportar fondos al partido oficial sin que ingresaran en su contabilidad. Otro tema que ha estado presente en la agenda legislativa ha sido la Ley de Aceptación de Cargos, que establece un mecanismo de reducción de la sanción para los acusados de delitos que acepten su participación y colaboren con la justicia. Sin embargo, ninguno de los temas ha podido ser aprobado porque no se han alcanzado los acuerdos, lo que se atribuye en parte a la muerte de Arzú y a que la sociedad civil y los medios de comunicación han mantenido una campaña de vigilancia constante e incluyen a ambas leyes como parte del #PactoDeCorruptos.

Otro acontecimiento importante fue la tragedia humana que implicó la erupción del Volcán de Fuego a inicios de junio en el que dos comunidades enteras fueron soterradas, lo que volcó toda la atención nacional e internacional en la ayuda humanitaria para la atención a las víctimas. La tragedia causada

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. vii por el fenómeno natural ha sido vista como una responsabilidad de la incompetencia del gobierno de Morales que no siguió los protocolos de evacuación inmediata y de atención al desastre.

A pesar de este contexto polarizado alrededor de la lucha contra la corrupción, el Proyecto Seguridad y Justicia (SJSRP) continúo llevando a cabo sus actividades planificadas sin mayores complicaciones, logrando resultados en varias de sus actividades técnicas.

Bajo el Sub Resultado de Bajo Nivel (Sub LLR) 2.1, Mayor capacidad estatal para proveer seguridad y justicia para ciudadanos, el SJSRP continuó trabajando con cada una de sus contrapartes institucionales para construir sobre logros previos y trabajar hacia las metas actuales. En el Organismo Judicial (OJ), el SJSRP continuó proveyendo asistencia técnica y capacitación para fortalecer los juzgados de veinticuatro horas, los juzgados de mayor riesgo y los modelos de juzgados pluripersonales. Es particularmente notable de la nueva sede del juzgado de 24 horas en Sacatepéquez así como la firma de un acuerdo interinstitucional para la implementación del juzgado de 24 horas en Chiquimula, ambos con asistencia técnica, logística y financiera del SJSRP.

En el Instituto de la Defensa Pública Penal (IDPP), el SJSRP proveyó asistencia técnica y financiera para implementar varios capacitaciones y discusiones de grupos de trabajo en temas desde los métodos especiales de investigación a los instrumentos internacionales de derechos humanos y la defensa penal.

El SJSRP también apoyó al IDPP en la publicación y presentación de la doceava edición de la Revista del Defensor Público.

En el Ministerio Público, el SJSRP proveyó asistencia técnica, logística y financiera para la preparación y presentación de varios informes para la Administración de la Fiscal General Thelma Aldana así también apoyó la transición hacia la nueva administración dirigida por la Fiscal General Consuelo Porras.

Bajo el Sub LLR 2.4, Apoyar al Gobierno de Guatemala en presentar reformas e implementar legislación clave, el SJSRP hizo avances este trimestre en la promoción e implementación de las siguientes leyes prioritarias concluyendo borradores finales del Código Penal, Código Procesal Laboral y de Seguridad Social y la Ley de Biodiversidad, los cuales fueron presentados a las contrapartes correspondientes dentro del Gobierno de Guatemala para su oportuna presentación ante el Congreso de la República. También es significativa la emisión de dictámenes favorables de la Comisión de Gobernación del Congreso de la República y la Comisión de Asuntos de Seguridad Nacional sobre la Ley Orgánica de la Policía Nacional Civil, llevándola un paso más cerca de ser aprobada. El SJSRP también apoyó a sus contrapartes en la implementación de la Ley de la Carrera Judicial, la Ley Orgánica del Organismo Legislativo, el Procedimiento para Delitos Menos Graves (Decreto 7-2011), la Ley Orgánica del Ministerio Público y la Política Criminal Democrática del Estado de Guatemala, a través del apoyo en capacitaciones y reuniones de grupos de trabajo.

Bajo el Sub LLR 2.5, Fortalecer la capacidad del Gobierno de Guatemala para investigar y perseguir casos de corrupción, el SJSRP continuó la exitosa implementación de su metodología de investigación y litigio de casos en la Unidad Anticorrupción del MP (que incluye a la Fiscalía Contra la Corrupción, de Asuntos Internos y de Delitos Administrativos) y la Fiscalía Contra la Extorsión, resultando en un

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. viii incremento en la eficiencia en la investigación y manejo de casos, operativos más efectivos y litigios más fortalecidos durante la etapa de juicio. Como resultado de este apoyo, este trimestre la Fiscalía de Sección de Delitos Administrativos y Asuntos Internos llevaron a cabo nueve operativos de campo y la Fiscalía Contra la Extorsión desarrolló dos operativos masivos. También en este trimestre se inauguró la sexta agencia fiscal de la Fiscalía Contra la Extorsión en Suchitepéquez con el apoyo logístico y financiero del SJSRP.

También bajo el Sub LLR 2.5, el Proyecto continuó sus esfuerzos para aumentar la transparencia y responsabilidad en las Instituciones del Sector Seguridad y Justicia (SJSIs). Este trimestre, tanto la Fiscalía Contra la Extorsión como la Corte de Constitucionalidad (CC) recibieron certificaciones en las normas 9001:2015 de la Organización Internacional para la Estandarización (ISO), además el SJSRP y el MP firmaron un Memorándum de Entendimiento para trabajar hacia la certificación ISO de la Unidad de Evaluación del Desempeño del MP. El Proyecto también presentó avances en los proyectos de notificaciones electrónicas y digitalización de archivos en la CC y el OJ, resultando en una mayor eficiencia y transparencia en cada una de las cortes.

Finalmente, el SJSRP continuó sus esfuerzos en promover e implementar políticas de Equidad de Género en el OJ, el IDPP, el INACIF y el MP.

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. 1

1.0 PROGRAM PROGRESS

AND HIGHLIGHTS

1.1 ACTIVITY REPORTING

This quarter represents the third quarter of the SJSRP’s sixth and final fiscal year (FY). During this quarter, the SJSRP was able to advance in several areas of its Annual Work Plan. All program activities were carried out in close coordination with the Project’s GOG counterparts, with the goal of increasing institutional capacity and promoting greater levels of efficiency, transparency and accountability.

1.1.1 Lower Level Result 1: Greater state capacity to manage security and justice administration

PNC Organic Law

Advances regarding the National Civilian Police (PNC) Organic Law are now reported under Sub LLR 2.4, Support the GOG in presenting reforms and implementing key legislation.

Sub LLR 1.3: Improve management and administration of SJSIs

Implementation of ISO 9001 and 17025 Standards

Advances regarding the implementation of ISO standards are now reported under Sub LLR 2.5, Strengthen the GOG’s capacity to investigate and prosecute corruption cases.

1.1.2 Lower Level Result 2: Greater state capacity to provide security and justice for citizens

Sub LLR 2.1: Improve performance, efficiency and accountability of SJSIs

Judicial Branch

Electronic Notification

The SJSRP continued to support the application of electronic programming for judicial hearings. This tool has improved the OJ’s ability to notify counterparts at the MP and IDPP of the time and date of hearings, particularly for processes related to crimes against women, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and crimes against the environment. This quarter, the number of hearing notifications sent using this system increased by 18.36% compared to the previous quarter:

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. 2

ELECTRONIC HEARING NOTIFICATIONS SENT IN FY6

Period Public Ministry

Public Defense Institute Total

January-March 2018 18,026 15,666 33,692 April-June 2018 21,516 18,365 39,881 Date provided by the OJ’s Center for Information and Judicial Statistics (CIDEJ).

The Project also continued to support security and justice sector institutions, particularly the OJ, in implementing electronic interconnection processes for travel restrictions and bank embargos. To this end, the SJSRP provided training in these systems in the departments of Zacapa, Chiquimula, Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Quetzaltenango and Guatemala, training a total of 280 justice sector officials.

Additionally, the SJSRP provided technical and financial assistance to develop an application through which the OJ can send orders for travel restrictions and bank embargos to the Ministry of Governance and banks, respectively. Between April 1 and June 15, 2018, the OJ sent a total of 172 electronic travel restrictions. This electronic process guarantees timeliness and security to these sensitive processes.

24 Hour Courts

The 24 Hour Courts in Guatemala are made up of justices of the peace, first instance judges, prosecutors, public defenders, forensic experts and police agents, fostering positive internal and external coordination among institutions and ensuring compliance with constitutionally-mandated time frames for hearing and resolving cases. The Project provides ongoing technical support and accompaniment to Guatemala’s 24 Hour Courts to ensure adequate interinstitutional coordination and implementation of the 24 Hour Court model.

The 24 Hour Court in Sacatepéquez is among the courts that receive Project assistance. Since opening in 2009, this court has achieved a high level of coordination in its work, ensuring fluidity in the case resolution process while attending to an average of 5,400 cases per year. In light of the court’s positive technical results, the CSJ determined that it was necessary to improve the court’s infrastructure. On May 21, 2018, the new headquarters for the 24 Hour Criminal Justice of the Peace Courts and the First Instance Criminal Court for Narcotrafficking and Crimes against the Environment in Sacatepéquez was inaugurated with financial and technical support from the SJSRP. The new court

Kenneth MacLean, Director of USAID/Guatemala’s Democracy and Governance Office, speaks during the inauguration of the new headquarters for the 24 Hour Justice of the Peace and First Instance Criminal Court for Narcotrafficking and Crimes against the Environment in Sacatepéquez.

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. 3 facility has four courtrooms equipped with furniture and IT equipment donated by the SJSRP, doubling the number of courtrooms available and ensuring greater access to justice for both victims and the accused.

Considering the benefits of the 24 Hour Court model, justice sector officials decided to implement the same methodology in the department of Chiquimula. With logistical and financial support from the SJSRP, on April 13, 2018, justice sector authorities signed an inter-institutional agreement for the implementation of a 24 Hour Court for the Municipality and Department of Chiquimula. The SJSRP will also donate furniture and equipment for the courtroom and support training for officials from the various justice sector entities who will work within this model. This court will be responsible for hearing criminal testimony of crimes that occur in all Chiquimula municipalities and some in the department of Zacapa, ensuring that the constitutional rights of accused persons are respected, while providing improved access to justice and attention to criminal conflict within the jurisdiction of this new court.

High Risk Courts and Tribunals

Since the creation of the National Institute of Forensic Science (INACIF) in 2006, it has been necessary for judges to understand general principles of forensic science for use in their sentences.

These sentences later serve as important sources of information on the application of new forensic investigation techniques and standards for validating scientific evidence. In light of this, in 2018, judicial officials requested training on forensic ballistics, cyber forensics, forensic medicine, and forensic psychology. With technical and financial assistance from the Project, and in coordination with the School of Judicial Studies, on April 23 and 24, 2018 a workshop entitled “Forensic Science and Its Application in the Guatemalan Criminal Prosecution Process”

Justice sector authorities sign the Interinstitutional Agreement for the proper functioning of the 24 Hour Court of the Municipality and Department of Chiquimula in Guatemala City in April 2018.

Participants in the training on “Forensic Science and Its Application in the Guatemalan Criminal Prosecution Process” on April 24, 2018.

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. 4 was held to discuss these requested topics. Forty judicial officials participated in the workshop, including first-instance judges, justices of the peace, and criminal sentencing judges specialized in narco-trafficking and crimes against the environment, from the departments of Guatemala, Sacatepéquez, Escuintla, and Chimaltenango. This workshop is part of the USAID effort to strengthen the criminal justice system by improving case resolution, reducing delays and ensuring adequate access to justice for Guatemalan citizens.

First Instance Justice of the Peace Criminal Court

The 2011 reform to the Criminal Code in Guatemala allows for improved handling of misdemeanor cases through the use of a rapid and simple procedures led by justices of the peace. The sentences that result from these procedures provide justices of the peace with valuable precedents on which they can base their own sentences.

In an effort to improve case management and avoid procedural delays, MP prosecutors requested that in 2018, justices of the peace inform them about the criteria utilized to resolve certain commonly-occurring types of cases, such as child abuse or alimony non-payment.

In support of this effort, the SJSRP provided technical assistance to systematize the resolution of cases of particular interest to these courts, and to identify cases that occur frequently or are controversial in nature. In continuation of this support, the SJSRP provided financial and logistical assistance for a workshop entitled, “Judicial Criteria for Misdemeanor Procedures,” in coordination with the School of Judicial Studies and the Training Units of the MP and the IDPP. One hundred ninety-two public litigation officials attended the workshop, including prosecutors, public defenders, and lawyers from the Solicitor General’s Office. During the workshop, judges from the First Instance Pluripersonal Justice of the Peace Court provided attendees with information on work models, case resolution criteria, minimum content required to make a criminal accusation, and criteria for dismissing cases. This type of coordinated workshop among various justice sector institution personnel contributes to improving case resolution and management and providing greater access to justice for victims of misdemeanor offenses.

Public Defense Institute

This quarter, the IDPP finalized the remodeling of a room that will be converted into a mock hearing room to use as a training tool for public defenders. To support this effort, the SJSRP donated furniture and equipment to complete the courtroom. It is expected to be inaugurated early next quarter.

Judge Anaelsee Ramirez Perez presents to participants of the workshop on judicial criteria for misdemeanor procedures.

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. 5

This quarter the Project also supported various working groups within the IDPP. A first set of working groups discussed and analyzed methodologies for case analysis and litigation strategies for cases that are heard in the country’s High Risk Tribunals. Other working groups focused on topics such as special investigation methods, conventionality control, and banking and taxes, among other topics.

In addition, the SJSRP supported the IDPP in carrying out various trainings. The Project helped develop the methodology for four workshops on the topics of Case Theory, Examination and Cross Examination, Argumentation, and Defense Techniques, which were then taught by IDPP trainers. The Project also supported the diploma course, “International Instruments in Human Rights and Criminal Defense,” which was academically accredited by the University of San Carlos. Forty-four public defenders from throughout the country participated in the course, which included five days of virtual participation and five days of in-person classroom activities.

Participants learned about the theory and practical application of international human rights instruments to improve their legal defense of low-income people.

This quarter, the SJSRP also supported the IDPP in publishing and presenting the twelfth edition of the Public Defender’s Journal – a professional journal that serves to share lessons learned, experiences and challenges that defenders face in their work, and solutions that have been identified in response to these challenges. With the goal of encouraging public defenders to share these topics with their peers, the IDPP issued a call for papers in early 2018, inviting public defenders and special guests to submit reflections and analyses of issues they may face. This call for papers resulted in a new edition of the Public Defender’s Journal containing 13 relevant articles, encouraging readers to use the articles’ recommendations to provide a better experience for users of IDPP services. The journal was published with technical and financial support from the SJSRP. On June 7, 2018, the publication was presented before 85 people, including public defenders and coordinators of regional IDPP offices. In addition to the presentation of the new journal edition, attendees heard an educational lecture by two

This mock hearing room will be used in training public defenders.

A discussion table during the diploma course consists of public defenders from Cobán, Salamá and Santa Rosa.

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. 6 speakers on topics related to the release of financial activity information by banks as part of judicial processes, a topic of current relevance to public defenders. This event and the publication of the journal ensure that public defenders have up-to-date knowledge and tools to ensure high-quality defense of individuals using IDPP services.

Public Ministry

MP Annual Report

In May 2018, Thelma Aldana ended her four-year term as Attorney General and Head of the Public Ministry, and the newly-named Attorney General – Consuelo Porras – took office. In support of this transition, the SJSRP provided technical and financial assistance in preparing and presenting the following documents:

1. Report on the Fourth Year of the Aldana Administration (May 2017 – May 2018);

2. Accountability Report for the Aldana Administration (May 2014 – May 2018), containing a summary of all work carried out during the four-year period;

3. Report on Transition between Administrations (May 2018);

4. Report on the Coordination for the Integrated IT System (2014 – 2018);

5. Report on the MP Performance Evaluation Unit (2014 – 2017);

6. Report on Management of the MP Secretariat for Criminal Policy (2014 – 2018); and

7. Report on the Directorate for Criminal Investigation (2014 – 2018).

On May 7, 2018, the MP publicly presented the results under the Aldana Administration (2014 – 2018), highlighting the institution’s achievements in fighting extortion; investigating criminal corruption cases against former and current government officials; combatting narco-trafficking, money laundering, and tax evasion; and dismantling a number of criminal structures, among others. More than 2,000 people attended the event, including CICIG Commissioner Ivan Velasquez, various congressmen, CSJ and CC magistrates, and others.

As part of the event, Aldana presented Porras with the Report on Transition between Administrations to ensure an organized transition from one administration to the other. This report, developed with SJSRP assistance, contains a synthesis of the actions taken during the previous four years and suggestions for the next administration to consider.

Attorney General Thelma Aldana presents the Report on Transition between Administrations to the new Attorney General, María Consuelo Porras.

The head table at the presentation of the 12th edition of the Public Defender’s Journal.

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. 7

Transition to the New Administration

In May and June, the SJSRP provided technical assistance to the new Attorney General, whose four-year term began on May 17, 2018. The SJSRP held various high-level meetings with the Porras and her core staff to discuss transitions in projects and offices supported by the SJSRP – including the Democratic Criminal Policy, Performance Evaluation Unit, Training Unit, Prosecutor’s Office against Extortion, Anti-Corruption Unit, and MP management reports, among others – as well as the management of the MP in accordance with its legal and constitutional mandate.

Specific areas of support to the new administration include the following:

• Analysis and development of a proposal to strengthen the 24 Hour Justice System in Guatemala City, particularly to streamline the process of taking first declarations from accused people. The Attorney General then presented this proposal to the Coordinating Body for the Modernization of the Justice Sector.

• Analysis and development of a proposal to strengthen the justice sector by revising the use of preventive detention centers, establishing beneficiaries of less severe measures, and coordinating accordingly among the MP, OJ, and IDPP. The proposal has been presented to the Attorney General and is pending presentation to the Coordinating Body for the Modernization of the Justice Sector.

Attendees at the official presentation of the Report on Transition between Administrations on May 7, 2018.

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. 8

• Development of a proposal to further develop the Democratic Criminal Policy of Guatemala axes of Prevention and Reinsertion (which will be reported under Sub LLR 2.4 in future reports).

• Development of a proposal to improve MP coordination with Ministry of Governance (MINGOB) investigative counterparts (which will be reported under Sub LLR 2.5 in future reports).

• Accompaniment and technical support to the commission responsible for reviewing proposals for reforms to the Criminal Procedural Code, with participation from CICIG, MP, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Human Rights Ombudsman. The Project supported three meetings this quarter.

• Accompaniment and technical support to the commissions responsible for the implementation and development of rules for and purchase of electronic devices, the penitentiary management model, and interinstitutional strengthening.

The Project will also support the new administration in developing and validating the MP’s Strategic Plan in accordance with the new lines of work envisioned by this administration.

INACIF

On April 27, 2018, the SJSRP held a meeting with members of the INACIF Board of Directors (consisting of justice sector high authorities) to share information on the areas of SJSRP support provided to the institution between 2012 and 2018, which have focused on institutional strengthening and the application of new technologies in forensic science. The presentation highlighted various aspects of this support, including the strengthening of scientific laboratories, creation of a quality control management system, coordination for the creation of a cyber forensics laboratory, provision of equipment and other support to implement the Combined DNA Index System, establishment of an electronic document management system, and donation of videoconference equipment.

This support has resulted in improved efficiency and a higher quality of work by

The Attorney General, SJSRP Chief of Party, and work teams in a support meeting.

Presentation of the results of the SJRSP’s assistance to INACIF from 2012 to 2018.

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. 9 the institution. The presentation was given with the goal of encouraging the institutionalization of these supported processes and areas. In the long term, strengthening INACIF ensures greater quality of scientific evidence utilized in criminal court cases and consequently a higher number of case resolutions, as the use of scientific evidence in conjunction with testimonial evidence increases the efficiency of the criminal justice system.

Sub LLR 2.2: Improved investigation and prosecution of environmental crimes

The SJSRP finalized the activities under this Sub LLR last quarter.

Sub LLR 2.3: Support the Supreme Court’s Information Platform

This Sub LLR was finalized during the final quarter of FY2016. Nevertheless, several of the projects that the OJ initiated as a result of this $3 million donation continue to receive technical support from the SJSRP. These efforts and their results are detailed under Sub LLR 2.5.

Sub LLR 2.4, Support the Government of Guatemala (GOG) in presenting reforms and implementing key legislation

This quarter the SJSRP continued to provide technical assistance to the relevant congressional committees and GOG counterparts to advance in the drafting, approval and implementation of key laws, as described below.

Development of Proposals for New Laws or Reform

Criminal Code: This quarter, key justice sector actors concluded the validation process of the proposed law. The SJSRP completed a final review of the law and delivered it to Congressman Cornelio Garcia.

The Project also provided the congressman with a strategy to promote the law within Congress and receive public validation for it via technical working groups. However, given the current congressional climate, the Project recommended that the congressman wait for a more favorable political atmosphere to present the law.

Procedural Code for Labor and Social Security: An SJSRP consultant and international expert in this topic reviewed the final version of draft law, which was then passed to the CSJ. The Supreme Court will determine when best to publicly promote and validate the law, as well as present it to Congress.

Law on Biological Diversity: The SJSRP carried out a final review of the law jointly with the Center for Conservationist Studies of San Carlos University (CECON). The final draft was delivered to CECON, which will determine the best moment to present it to Congress.

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. 10

Promotion of Laws and Legal Reform

PNC Organic Law: On February 9, 2018, the proposal for the Organic Law of the PNC was converted into Law Initiative 5410. This quarter, both the Governance Commission and the Commission for National Security Matters of the Guatemalan Congress presented favorable opinions on the law initiative. With this important step, the PNC Organic Law is one step closer to passage in Congress.

Implementation of Laws

Judicial Career Law: This quarter, the SJSRP finalized its proposal for the Regulations for the Judicial Career Law. The Project then presented it to the Judicial Career Council for revision, where it underwent additional changes. The SJSRP turned in the final version to the Council, which will continue to promote the proposal’s discussion and approval with the bodies that will be governed by the regulations. The Project also continued work on a document that provides commentary on the Law. This document is expected to be presented to the Council early next quarter.

Organic Law of the Legislative Branch: As a result of the demands made during the 2015 peaceful civilian protests which resulted in the resignation of President Otto Pérez Molina and Vice President Roxana Baldetti, reforms were made to the Organic Law of the Legislative Branch to install mechanisms for transparency and visibility and to improve the effectiveness of legislative operations.

These reforms included improvements to the operations of legislative work commissions, which are responsible for the study and evaluation of legal initiatives. In support of these reforms, in 2017 the SJSRP provided technical support for coordination between the Commission for Legislative and Constitutional Matters and the Commission for Justice Sector Reform, which helped determine that the commissions’ technical teams were not clear on their role, reducing the quality of their legislative work. Based on that experience, and in coordination with Congress and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the SJSRP supported the development of a “Practical Guide for Work Commissions.” This document was validated by the aforementioned commissions as well as the Congressional Governing Board, which requested that the document be printed for its daily use as a training tool for the technical staff in all legislative commissions. Along these lines, with SJSRP support, members of 32 of the 38 legislative commissions participated in four trainings held between April 10 and May 15, 2018. These trainings provided the commissions’ technical staff with knowledge on the analysis and evaluation of legal initiatives, ensuring a more uniform and efficient legislative

Participants during the second day of training for legislative work commissions.

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. 11 process. This training was well-received, leading congressional representatives to request its replication for individual work groups.

Organic Law of the Public Ministry: the SJSRP continued to support the implementation of the MP Organic Law via ongoing support to the Training Unit (UNICAP). This quarter, the Project provided financial and technical support to install signs throughout the UNICAP campus to clarify locations and ensure compliance with the law. The Project also provided technical and financial support for the design and implementation of a Document Management System, which allows for digital storage of the documentation created in UNICAP. The system is housed in the MP’s main data center, which guarantees the same high level of security provided to all other MP digital systems. This ensures that the data is protected from unwanted outside access and furthermore provides for a systematized, programmed backup of the information to prevent data loss. The system was officially launched on April 19, 2018, during an inaugural event presided over by MP authorities and with the participation of prosecutors, deputy prosecutors and regional coordinators. The launch of this document management system is part of USAID efforts to empower UNICAP as an entity responsible for the increased professionalization of MP personnel and thereby strengthen the institution, in line with reforms to the MP Organic Law.

Decree 7-2011: Procedures for Misdemeanors: This quarter, the SJSRP carried out events to train public officials and lawyers from the departments of Sololá, Alta Verapaz and Guatemala on topics related to this reform to the Criminal Procedural Code. The trainings addressed areas such as the operational structure of judicial bodies and prosecutor’s offices for flagrant crimes, investigation and litigations, administrative procedures for assigning cases, and principles and judicial criteria, among others.

Democratic Criminal Policy: This quarter the SJSRP continued to support implementation of the Democratic Criminal Policy of Guatemala (PCDEG by its Spanish acronym). Although not yet a law, the policy is supported by the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches, as well as the Public Ministry. The policy’s primary function is the creation of inter-agency strategies to use in addressing and prioritizing criminal phenomena. The policy is based on the four key axes of crime prevention, efficient investigation, effective punishment and rehabilitation of those who are punished.

The Project continued supporting implementation of the Pilot Plan of the PCDEG in twenty prioritized municipalities, which were chosen due to their high rates of criminality: Villa Canales, Chinuatla, Coban, Escuintla, Antigua, Quetzaltenango, Coatepeque, Zacapa, Flores/San Benito, Santa Cruz del Quiche, Chimaltenango, A working group to monitor the implementation of the PCDEG in the city of Chiquimula.

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. 12

Mazatenango, San Lucas Sacatepéquez, Retalhuleu, Jalapa, Huehuetenango, San Marcos/San Pedro Sacatepéquez, Puerto Barrios, Jutiapa and Totonicapán. The objective of the pilot program is to implement concrete actions aimed at reducing crime in these municipalities. To this end, the Project supported a number of meetings with state officials, community leaders, religious leaders, judicial facilitators, unions and judges in the various communities. As a result of Project assistance, permanent multi-sector working groups have been formed in the communities to address the problems specific to their areas.

The Project also supported specific actions under the four axes of the PCDEG. With regard to the Prevention Axis, on May 9, 2018, the SJSRP supported a public presentation on the Integrated Justice System and an analysis of the situation in the department of Alta Verapaz within the PCDEG framework (see Annex B). The event, in which over 160 individuals participated, aimed to raise public awareness of the levels of impunity and criminality that affect this department. Furthermore, the event highlighted the importance of strategic coordination among justice sector institutions on various activities, with the goal of strengthening these institutions so that they may attend to the needs of the Guatemalan population through the prompt and compliant application of justice. The meeting resulted in an agreement by the District Attorney’s Office to hold awareness-building workshops on women’s rights and develop additional activities with the goal of reducing violence against women, the most reported crime in the department with the lowest rates of case resolution effectiveness.

The SJSRP also supported the MP in arranging television spots and interviews to raise awareness about crime prevention and the importance of reporting crimes, particularly in the area of human trafficking.

In order to prevent violence against women in the prioritized municipality of Villa Nueva, the SJSRP held workshops from June 8-14 in which 69 participants from various public and private institutions and women’s groups discussed topics including women’s rights, discriminatory acts, a culture of acceptance and respect, important actors in reporting violence against women, and prevention strategies.

Presentation of the Integrated Justice System in the municipality of Cobán in the department of Alta Verapáz on May 9, 2018.

Alexander Colop, Prosecutor for the Section against Human Trafficking, participates in a TV interview.

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. 13

Under the Investigation Axis, the SJSRP held workshops on crime scene management for MP staff, firemen, journalists and others who have access to areas in which crimes have been committed. Workshops were led by an INACIF forensic doctor and regional coordinators of the MP’s Directorate for Criminal Investigation (DICRI).

These workshops provided participants with tools to limit or avoid contamination of crime scenes, facilitate greater interinstitutional coordination, and demonstrate greater respect for victims and their families. The below table demonstrates where these workshops were held and the number of participants in each:

CRIME SCENE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS

Municipality Date Number of Participants

Escuintla April 4, 2018 31 Mazatenango April 11, 2018 51 Villa Canales April 18, 2018 18 Chiquimula May 11, 2018 41 Totonicapán May 15, 2018 34

Huehuetenango May 16, 2018 35 Villa Nueva May 23, 2018 31

Jutiapa May 24, 2018 47 Jalapa May 25, 2018 45

Villa Nueva May 30, 2018 45 Coatepeque June 14, 2018 60

Total 438

Also under the Investigation Axis, the SJSRP continued to support meetings among public sector institutions in charge of public and cadastral registries, with the goal of electronically sharing the information they manage with the MP during investigations. As part of this effort, the SJSRP provided technical assistance to develop an inter-connection system via a web service through the electronic platforms of the Ministry of Finance and the MP’s case management system. MP staff can access this system remotely and consult the Ministry of Finance’s cadastral registries.

DICRI personnel lead a workshop on crime scene management in Jalapa.

Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. 14

The Project also supported the implementation of the PCDEG’s transversal axis against discrimination and…