For the first time in Guatemala a legal revolution is in process to protect the freedom of the press, representing not a triumph of justice but rather a defeat of the democratic system, and Human Rights Ombudsman Sergio Morales has had to introduce injunction measures to guarantee constitutional rights. Due to the serious events carried out the previous week by organised groups, formed and financed by the representatives of the Frente Republicano Guatemalteca (FRG), a well-known journalist was killed and several were assaulted by the mob. With the death of Héctor Ramírez and the violence against journalists, there is an increasing movement away from building democracy in this country, where flagrant crimes can be committed without the intervention of security forces to detain the originators of the illegal acts. The pressure applied through violent measures, against the country's high tribunals, is part of a strategy to promote the candidacy of Ríos Montt and with him to become entrenched in the government, which will guarantee the official party the impunity and the immunity necessary to cover up all the acts committed under the protection of exercising power. The press and journalists have been accused by the FRG members of distorting information and damaging the government's image and this year alone there have been 18 acts of aggression against the union, from reporters to editors. The attitudes of the government representatives can be explained by the unease caused to them by losing control of the state and putting themselves into a vulnerable situation in terms of national and international law. Repudiation has spread against the violent events caused by the FRG hordes, which have affected even the diplomatic corps, which were practically besieged in their residences. Defenders of human rights, environmentalists, politicians, members of religious orders, business men and women, academics, trade unionists, students, campesinos, lawyers and representatives from various groups have fervently condemned and rejected this break in institutionality which is threatening the Rule of Law. Special mention should be made of the concern expressed by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), regarding the persistent deterioration of the Rule of Law and the possibility that Efraín Ríos Montt could be a candidate in the presidential elections this year. The electoral process has been violent. Eleven opposition political activists, the majority from the Alianza Nueva Nacíon, left-wing party, have been assassinated, while there has been an increase in acts of intimidation, assassinations, threats, attacks to personal integrity and violations of the homes of social and political leaders and journalists. In 1993 the IACHR made a statement regarding the nomination of ex-general Ríos Montt, emphasising the ineligibility of whoever has led movements or governments contravening the constitutional order, consecrated in article 186 of the Magna Carta. Valentín Paniagua, Head of the Mission of Observers from the Organization of American States (OAS), indicated that these events have disturbed the electoral process and have created a climate of uncertainty, insecurity and intimidation. Meanwhile the Verification Mission of the Peace Accords added to the demonstrations of concern for the events and demanded respect for human rights. Numerous national and international press organisations have repeated their rejection and condemnation of the violent attitude adopted by the government and condemn the murder of reporter Ramírez, while raising awareness of the urgent need to provide comprehensive guarantees regarding the implementation of journalistic activity and guarantees of the right to information in Guatemalan society. It is for this reason that the government must provide a quick, coherent and efficient response to investigate these terrible incidents and bring those responsible to the courts. Alfonso Portillo has special responsibility to demonstrate or explain why the security forces did not comply with their constitutional duty to preserve security and equanimity in the cities. In spite of the inherent risks, as journalists we will continue engaging in this social labour, ready to defend the right to freedom of thought and press, which is fundamental for the existence of a democratic state.