Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations, and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women’s Issues, released the following statement on the impending verdict in the trial of Igor Bitkov in Guatemala:

“In April of this year, we learned about the plight of the Bitkov family in Guatemala and their highly unjust imprisonment that was orchestrated by CICIG.

“This case exemplifies Russia’s interference in international organizations and internal Guatemalan affairs. Our concerns were so great that a decision was taken to suspend US Government funding to CICIG.

“The Bitkov family was subsequently released from prison and apparently vindicated after the Constitutional Court ruled in their favor. US Government funding to CICIG was restored in September.

“It is now alarming to learn that CICIG and the Guatemalan prosecutors are re-trying Igor Bitkov on the same questionable charges. We understand that the presiding judge is due to deliver her verdict tomorrow. CICIG and the prosecutors have recommended that Igor Bitkov serve another 14 years in jail followed by expulsion to Russia.

“If this sentence materializes, we will look at all available tools to rectify such a grave injustice.”

In May 2018, Rubio placed a hold on U.S. funds to International Commission on Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG).