Human Rights Award goes to Miguel Ángel Gálvez
The award was presented during the opening event of the German Judges and Prosecutors’ Conference in Weimar.
Media release from The German Judges Association (DRB):
The German Judges Association (DRB) awarded its Human Rights Prize to Miguel Ángel Gálvez of Guatemala. The award was presented during the opening event of the German Judges and Prosecutors’ Conference in Weimar.
In his speech, DRB Chairman Achim Scholz emphasized the award's special significance: It honors individuals from the judiciary and legal professions who have dedicated themselves to upholding the principles of the rule of law "at the risk of their lives, health, or personal freedom, or by accepting serious personal disadvantages." Scholz noted that the international attention generated by the award ceremony also serves to protect the recipients in their home countries. Scholz added that freedom and democracy are not guaranteed, but they are worth fighting for.
By honoring Gálvez, the DRB recognizes a judge who has dedicated decades to combating corruption and impunity in Guatemala. Since taking office in 1999, Gálvez has played a central role in addressing serious human rights violations. As presiding judge of a criminal court that handled high-risk cases, he oversaw numerous complex trials involving organized crime and state corruption.
"Miguel Ángel Gálvez Aguilar is one of the most important symbols of justice in Guatemala," said Iván Velásquez Gómez, the former Colombian Minister of Defense and recipient of the 2012 DRB Human Rights Award, in his speech honoring this year's award winner. Gálvez embodies the fight against corruption and enjoys the respect and esteem of his people. Velásquez sees the award ceremony as a message of hope for a new beginning, symbolized by the return of exiled judges and the restoration of democracy and the rule of law. Referring to Guatemala as the land of eternal spring, Velásquez concluded with the wish, “May Guatemala blossom.”
Gálvez expressed his gratitude for the award, saying that it also sends a message to judges around the world: “The defense of an independent judiciary must be resolute and combative while always respecting the law.” He dedicated the prize to his colleagues in Guatemala and Central America who, like him, live in exile for defending judicial independence. Addressing his homeland, he said: "Guatemala does not need a judiciary that adapts to political circumstances. It needs an incorruptible, professionally competent judiciary that is deeply aware of the nation’s diversity."
Gálvez gained international recognition for his role in the legal investigation of crimes committed by former military dictator Efraín Ríos Montt. He played a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for the historic genocide trial that, in 2013, resulted in the first conviction of a former head of state in his own country.
Gálvez also set standards in the fight against corruption at the highest political levels. In the La Línea scandal, for example, he ordered the arrest of President Otto Pérez Molina and Vice President Roxana Baldetti in 2015. The investigation uncovered a widespread network of corruption and abuse of power.
However, Gálvez's commitment made him a target of massive repression. He was threatened, defamed, and subjected to political pressure. Despite international calls for his protection, Gálvez was forced to resign from office in 2022.
The German Judges Association has presented the Human Rights Award since 1991.
for more: https://www.drb.de/miguel-angel-galvez
The German Judges Association: drb.de
Photo: ©Miguel Ángel Gálvez
All rights belong to: (for this news)
Deutsche Richterbund (DRB)
Miguel Ángel Gálvez