Guatemalan Journalist José Rubén Zamora Granted House Arrest

Judge orders home confinement instead of prison for the renowned reporter.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Guatemalan judge has ordered house arrest as an alternative to prison for renowned journalist José Rubén Zamora, who has been accused of money laundering and other charges. Zamora is a well-known figure in Guatemala who has faced legal troubles related to his critical reporting on the government.

Why it matters

Zamora's case has drawn international attention as an example of the challenges faced by journalists in Guatemala, where press freedom has been under threat in recent years. The decision to grant him house arrest rather than prison time is seen as a partial victory for press freedom advocates.

The details

The judge ordered Zamora to be held under house arrest after prosecutors accused him of money laundering and other charges. Zamora has maintained that the charges are politically motivated and an attempt to silence his critical reporting on the Guatemalan government.

  • On February 12, 2026, the judge ordered Zamora to be held under house arrest.

The players

José Rubén Zamora

A renowned Guatemalan journalist who has faced legal troubles related to his critical reporting on the government.

Guatemalan Judge

The judge who ordered Zamora to be held under house arrest instead of prison.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The decision to grant Zamora house arrest is a partial victory for press freedom in Guatemala, but he should not have been charged in the first place.”

— Marielos Monzón, Guatemalan Press Freedom Advocate (Prensa Libre)

What’s next

The judge's decision is expected to be appealed by prosecutors, who have argued that Zamora should remain in prison during the legal proceedings.

The takeaway

Zamora's case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Guatemala, where the government has been accused of using the legal system to silence critical reporting. The decision to grant him house arrest is a partial victory, but press freedom advocates say more needs to be done to protect reporters in the country.