In late August, the Initiative for Prisoners’ VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS During the year, 17 women were murdered Rights expressed concerns over a reported by their partners or former partners. Their increase in Covid-19 cases in prisons, limited murders highlighted the problem of domestic numbers of healthcare staff, and violence and brought renewed calls by overcrowded conditions. women’s rights groups for the term “femicide” to be used in public debate and 1. Greece: Violence, Lies, and Pushbacks - Refugees and Migrants Still legislation. From January, the Greek #MeToo Denied Safety and Asylum at Europe’s Borders (Index: EUR movement shed light on tens of reports of 25/4307/2021), 23 June rape and sexual harassment in the areas of 2. Greece: Freedom of Assembly at Risk and Unlawful Use of Force in the sport and culture where many women spoke Era of COVID-19 (Index: EUR 25/4399/2021), 14 July publicly about their abuse. Between March and May, women’s and human rights groups called for the GUATEMALA withdrawal of a bill on child custody that would place domestic violence victims at Republic of Guatemala greater risk and breach the principle of the Head of state and government: Alejandro Giammattei best interests of the child. The controversial Falla bill, which became law in May, risked giving perpetrators of violence and abuse access to Increased criminalization was used as a their victims, and for an extended period of strategy to intimidate those working in the time. administration of justice. A law that RIGHT TO HEALTH threatens the right to defend human rights entered into force. Guatemala recorded the In early November, as Greece reported the lowest percentage of people fully vaccinated highest daily average of Covid-19 infections against Covid-19 in Latin America amid since the beginning of the pandemic, health corruption allegations. workers’ unions called for more funding and BACKGROUND the recruitment of many more permanent staff to strengthen the weakened National US vice-president Kamala Harris visited Health System. Guatemala in June and agreed with President Concerns were raised about the punitive Giammattei to address the root causes of and discriminatory nature of a fine of €100 migration, including inequality, corruption per month imposed on people over 60 if they and the flawed rule of law. In July, the did not comply with compulsory vaccination dismissal of the head of the Special for Covid-19, following the adoption of a legal Prosecutor’s Office Against Impunity sparked provision by the parliament in early nationwide protests against corruption, December. economic inequality and the government’s response to Covid-19. DETAINEES’ RIGHTS IMPUNITY In January, Dimitris Koufondinas, a member of armed group Revolutionary Organization Those working in the administration of justice 17 November, began a hunger strike to with key roles in the fight against impunity in protest against the government’s decision to cases of serious human rights violations and transfer him to Domokos prison and not to corruption were removed from or prevented Korydallos prison in accordance with national from taking up their posts and faced threats, 1 legislation. Despite a significant deterioration criminal prosecution and smear campaigns. in his health, the authorities refused to In April, magistrate Gloria Porras, a accept his request. In March, Dimitris prominent supporter of human rights and Koufondinas ended his hunger strike. anti-corruption efforts in recent years, who Amnesty International Report 2021/22 181