on Monday warned that there is an attempt to remove her “by force” from the position she has held since being elected by the Board of Supreme Prosecutors in October 2024.
Through a public statement, shared on social media, the Public Ministry's head alerted the national and international community that this situation would appear to be the first step in a coup against the country's democratic order.
"Today, Monday, June 16, 2025, a blow to democracy is underway. I, Delia Espinoza, Attorney General, was constitutionally elected by the Board of Supreme Prosecutors on October 18, 2024, taking an oath before the nation and in publicly on November 8 of the same year," Espinoza stated.
"Today, an attempt is being made to forcibly remove me from the position to which I was constitutionally elected. We alert the national and international community that this would appear to be the first step in a coup against the country's democratic state," she stated.
Espinoza indicated that she had learned there was an intention to "withdraw the security and personal protection" that corresponds to her as the sitting Attorney General.
"Therefore, I hold the Ministry of Interior responsible —an institution that, since 8:00 a.m. today, should have deployed security personnel and been present to guard the premises and ensure the safety of the prosecutors working here," she said.
Espinoza stated that she holds the relevant authorities responsible for any attacks against her personal safety, as well as that of prosecutors and other staff.
"I address you on behalf of the Public Ministry, one of the institutions that, to this day, stands alongside the Constitution and with the law in hand. We are a stronghold that will continue to defend democracy, the constitutional rule of law, and human rights," Espinoza concluded.
Espinoza's message comes following the return of Patricia Benavides to the Public Ministry after the decision by the National Justice Board (taken on June 14) to annul the disciplinary sanction against Benavides (dismissal) and reinstate her as Attorney General.
Indeed, Benavides arrived at the Public Ministry headquarters on Monday morning and attempted to enter the office currently occupied by Attorney General Espinoza.