Guatemala Declares 30-Day State of Emergency Following Prison Riots

Guatemala Declares State of Emergency Following Prison Riots

A 30-day state of emergency has been declared in Guatemala following a series of coordinated prison riots that resulted in the deaths of at least seven police officers. The unrest began after restrictions were imposed on gang privileges, leading to hostage-taking and retaliatory attacks on law enforcement.

According to officials, the situation escalated rapidly as gangs responded to the changes with violent attacks. The government has taken steps to restore order and maintain public safety during this period.

The state of emergency was declared in response to the ongoing security concerns and the need for increased stability. Details regarding the specific measures being implemented by the authorities are not yet available.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Guatemala’s prison system, which has struggled with issues related to gang activity and violence. The government is expected to provide further updates on the situation as it continues to address the crisis.

The 30-day state of emergency will remain in effect until further notice. Residents are advised to exercise caution and follow local instructions from authorities during this time.

Source: Al Jazeera