Guatemala City Shooting Claims Life of Prominent Anti-Corruption Lawyer Juan Francisco Solorzano Foppa
Two men opened fire on 43-year-old anti-corruption lawyer Juan Francisco Solorzano Foppa while he was visiting a sports center in Guatemala City, killing the former prosecutor and SAT head, Reuters reported. Guatemalan police detained two suspects shortly after the Saturday attack and seized a carbine-style firearm along with a motorcycle.
President Bernardo Arévalo condemned the killing on his official X account, vowing that both direct perpetrators and those who ordered the crime will face the full weight of the law. Arévalo stated that his government is coordinating directly with authorities to solve the case.
Track Record Confronting Power and Gangs
Solorzano Foppa built a career challenging powerful figures in Guatemala. He served as head of the Criminal Investigations Directorate within the Public Prosecutor’s Office before leading the Superintendency of Tax Administration (SAT) from 2016 to 2018. During his tenure at the tax authority, he helped prosecute dozens of powerful business figures and recover unpaid taxes.
His work extended into high-profile political and criminal investigations. In 2025, he alleged public connections between the Barrio 18 gang and the National Unity of Hope party, alongside links between criminal organizations and the judicial system.
Defense of Journalist Jose Ruben Zamora
In 2023, Solorzano Foppa briefly joined the defense team of journalist Jose Ruben Zamora. Zamora serves as an international symbol of resistance against the criminalization of journalism and the erosion of judicial independence in Central America.
Solorzano Foppa ultimately left Zamora’s defense after the Public Prosecutor’s Office accused him of obstructing proceedings and destroying or concealing information. While he denied the accusations, he accepted them as part of a plea agreement because he stated he did not believe he would receive a fair trial.
Police Arrests and Investigation Status
Guatemalan security personnel secured the detention cell holding the two male suspects following the shooting at the sports center. Police recovered a carbine-style firearm and a motorcycle at the scene.
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