WASHINGTON, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement from National Press Club President Mike Balsamo on this week's court ruling ordering journalist José Rubén Zamora to return to prison in Guatemala as he awaits trial.

"We are appalled by this week's court ruling ordering prominent news publisher José Rubén Zamora to return to prison in a baseless case brought by Guatemalan authorities.

"There was no justification for Guatemalan authorities to bring these charges against Zamora in the first place. There was no justification for Zamora's first period of incarceration, during which United Nations experts said he was held in conditions which may have amounted to torture.

"An appeals court in 2023 overturned Zamora's conviction and ordered a new trial in 2025. This week's senseless order sending a 68-year-old man back to prison in advance of his trial is further proof that this case against Zamora is nothing more than a meritless attempt to punish and silence a journalist who has spent decades uncovering corruption.

"Jailing journalists in retaliation for their work is a violation of fundamental human rights. Supporters of press freedom around the world are watching this case closely, and will not look away until Zamora is free.

"We call on Guatemalan authorities to bring this painful episode to a close by immediately releasing Zamora and dropping all charges against him.

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. The Club has 3,000 members representing nearly every major news organization and is a leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide.

Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 for The National Press Club

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SOURCE National Press Club