Letter to Jimmy Morales, President of Guatemala - Hold on U.S. Funds to International Commission on Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG)
Letter
Dear Mr. President:
I was pleased to see the Guatemalan Court of Constitutionality decide on April 26, 2018, to essentially vacate the criminal charges against the Bitkov family--Igor, Irina and their children, Anastasia and Vladimir. The Putin regime and its cronies not only stole the Bitkov's livelihood, but also are perpetuating an international campaign of aggression against them. Even with the recent court ruling, however, I remain concerned for their safety and security, especially if they are forced to leave Guatemala and return to Russia.
As you are aware, international law protects those who seek refuge in a country outside their country of birth due to a well-founded fear of persecution by their country of origin. It is clear to me that the Bitkov family fits this definition and it is my hope that you will utilize all the resources at your disposal to ensure their safety and security following this horrible situation.
Additionally, I am troubled by the role of the International Commission on Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) in this affair. CICIG made an inexplicable push for the prosecution and harsh sentencing of the Bitkov family, but not any other recipients of false papers or the company that sold them. These actions, combined with the Russian government's aggressive attacks on the Bitkovs, raises serious questions about CICIG's ability to remain free from the corruption that it has been charged with prosecuting.
For more than three years, the Bitkovs have suffered a miscarriage of justice, having been jailed for what normally would be an administrative fine. The facts of their ordeal lead to questions about both their well-being in the future as well as the connections between CICIG and the Russian government. I urge your government to ensure the safety and security of the Bitkov family and not deport them to Russia. Additionally, I request that you examine CICIG's role in this case, especially its possible collusion with the Russian government and related Russian entities.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
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