Defence attorneys for José Rubén Zamora accused of involvement in alleged money laundering scheme.

A Guatemalan judge has issued arrest warrants for three lawyers representing José Rubén Zamora, a prominent journalist and director of El Periódico. The announcement, made on Thursday by prosecutors, has raised further concerns about press freedom in the country.

Zamora, known for his award-winning journalism, was detained nine months ago on charges of blackmail and money laundering. His newspaper has been critical of alleged corruption in President Alejandro Giammattei’s administration.

Among the lawyers targeted is Juan Francisco Solórzano Foppa, an opposition activist. Foppa was reportedly arrested while on his way to court to voluntarily surrender. The defence attorneys are accused of facilitating the alleged money laundering by drafting a sales agreement for an artwork, purportedly to disguise funds provided to Zamora.

Zamora’s legal team argues that the funds in question were a $38,000 donation intended to sustain El Periódico. They claim the donor sought anonymity and therefore asked a friend to deposit the money.

In February, another judge ordered an investigation into nine journalists from El Periódico for allegedly targeting members of the justice system through critical reporting. Prosecutor Cinthia Monterroso has argued that articles published by the outlet highlighted complaints and decisions involving justice officials, including herself. Monterroso maintains that those who ordered and financed such reporting should be scrutinised.

Press freedom advocates have described the case against Zamora as politically motivated, warning that it could undermine journalistic independence in Guatemala.