UN experts say jailed Guatemalan journalist Zamora may have been tortured

GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) - The United Nations on Wednesday said journalist Jose Ruben Zamora, imprisoned in Guatemala over the last two years, is being held in potentially life-threatening, inhumane conditions that could amount to torture.

Zamora, who founded the now-defunct elPeriodico newspaper, was arrested in July 2022 on money laundering charges, though he says he is a political prisoner due to his work against the Central American nation's then-President Alejandro Giammattei.

Citing a report from a panel of experts, the U.N. said the conditions in which Zamora is being held "may amount to torture and endanger his life," and urged Guatemalan authorities to "urgently address the allegations of inhumane conditions."

The experts said Zamora has faced nearly 20 months of solitary confinement in almost constant darkness, sleep deprivation and forced nudity.

They said the prison conditions reportedly caused a "serious deterioration in his physical and mental health, rapid weight loss and declining eyesight," and aggravated a pre-existing neurological disorder.

"We are seriously concerned that Mr. Zamora, aged 67, has not received adequate medical treatment," the experts said. "The allegations would violate the absolute ban on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatments or punishments."

Zamora requested house arrest at a hearing this week, where the judge as a substitute permitted him to leave the prison. However, Zamora must remain confined as he is also facing separate charges for obstruction of justice.

The case is being presided over by prosecutor Rafael Curruchiche, who is on the U.S.' Engel List of corrupt actors and has been sanctioned in over 40 countries for "anti-democratic" actions.

The prosecutor's absence at hearings in Zamora's case has delayed his proceedings.

Curruchiche is also leading a case to strip current President Bernardo Arevalo of criminal immunity so he can face charges for alleged abuse of authority. Arevalo, who ran on an anti-corruption platform, denies the allegations.

"I am imprisoned arbitrarily, but I feel free," Zamora told reporters after his hearing on Monday. "My spirit is free. I miss my family, but I feel absolutely free."

Amnesty International earlier this month declared Zamora a prisoner of conscience. The U.N. is investigating two more cases of alleged arbitrary detention in Guatemala.

(Reporting by Sofia Menchu; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)