“The Sperisen Case, a judicial disgrace”: A documentary demanding justice and transparency

2024-08-30 18:42:40

The documentary “El Caso Sperisen: Una Vergüenza Judicial” was recently released in Guatemala, a production by Naranja Media in collaboration with Léman Bleu TV, which invites the public to learn from the perspective of its main character, the anomalies and abuses involved . the judicial system of Switzerland who was the director of the National Civil Police (PNC) during the government of Oscar Berger (2004-2008) suffered for the last 12 years.

Perspective Writing

According to what has been reported, this chronicle comes to light a few days before Erwin Sperisen’s fourth trial in Switzerland and reveals how, in the name of protecting human rights, human rights were actually violated.

The documentary not only tells the story of this judicial process, but also exposes the fragility of judicial systems when ideologies impose justice, showing how this lack of objectivity and transparency affects society the whole of Guatemala. Therefore, as September 2, the starting date of the fourth Sperisen trial in Switzerland, approaches, the report becomes a demand from Guatemalans to carry out this new trial impartially, respecting rights and guarantees of due process.

The Sperisen Case reveals judicial procedural events that have marked the life of the former director of the PNC since he participated in the state operation to gain control of the Pavón Penal farm in September 2006. For years, the detention center said he was under led to control the prisoners themselves, many of whom were convicted of drug trafficking with privileges and coordinated illegal acts from prison, putting the lives of thousands of Guatemalans at risk.

According to them, the problem became so big that the prisoners owned expensive properties, one of them with fine wood finishes, billiards, Jacuzzi, electrical appliances and secret basements to hide the people they kidnapped and d their relatives paid them ransom. . Therefore, bringing justice to this prison was an essential step in building a true rule of law in the country.

The operation was a State activity with the agreement of the corresponding national and international institutions. The documentary shows how, despite acting under the mandate of the authorities and with legal support, Sperisen suffered a conviction without conclusive evidence in the Swiss courts. It also shows that even after realizing the bias shown by the Geneva judges and the lack of evidence, Sperisen maintained his willingness to cooperate with the authorities. It should be noted that other people involved in the same operation have been acquitted in various international courts, precisely because the evidence shows their innocence and their adherence to the law.

In 80 minutes, “The Sperisen Case: A Judicial Shame” tells Sperisen’s odyssey from the voices of those directly involved in his story. Swiss family members, lawyers, academics, politicians and journalists share their testimonies, offering an intimate view of the emotions and challenges involved in this case. The frustration and sadness created by a system that has failed its mission is palpable to the viewer. However, it also conveys a message of hope, emphasizing the unwavering belief that the truth will eventually prevail and justice will soon be served to Erwin Sperisen and his family.

This documentary is simply a story about a failed judicial process; It is a call to action. On the eve of the fourth trial, we try to urge the Swiss authorities and the international community to ensure that this case is treated with the rigor and transparency it deserves. Above all, it highlights that justice, in Sperisen’s case, cannot be blind to the truth.