GUATEMALA CITY — Gabriel García Luna, Guatemala's new attorney general, pledged on July 1, 2026, to dismantle the administration of his predecessor, Consuelo Porras, describing it as "repressive and vengeful." García Luna assumed office in May.

The new attorney general has initiated the process of dismantling the network of Porras' administrative and prosecutorial staff. He stated that Porras dismissed between 800 and 1,000 employees during her eight-year tenure. García Luna also launched a commission to review cases of individuals who were criminalized.

García Luna expressed a commitment to reviewing potential abuses from the past administration. He did not rule out the possibility of legal action against Porras. He stated that cases involving the release of individuals such as alleged corrupt officials and drug traffickers, which occurred under Porras' orders, are currently being reviewed and reopened.

"Everyone has a concept of a Public Prosecutor's Office that can be used in a certain way, and we can no longer have that," Attorney General Gabriel García Luna said. He added, "It is not a political entity, nor a political weapon for anyone, and I do not intend to repeat the actions taken in previous administrations."

Porras denied the accusations made against her. The Public Prosecutor's Office stated that these accusations affect Porras' "right to honor, dignity, reputation and the presumption of innocence." Porras was sanctioned by multiple countries, including the U.S., for allegedly stifling anti-corruption efforts. She also attempted to prevent President Bernardo Arévalo's inauguration through allegations of fraud, which were not proven.

The U.S. government and countries of the European Union have offered backing to García Luna in the fight against transnational crime. Additionally, the Attorney General's Office is collaborating with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The Commission has scheduled a hearing for Aug. 4 to review cases of individuals who reported political persecution under Porras.