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46 Guards Held in Coordinated Guatemala Prison Uprisings as Government Rejects Gang Demands

The coordinated unrest followed the removal of privileges from jailed gang leaders.

Overview

  • Inmates at Renovación I, Fraijanes and Preventivo are holding nine, 28 and nine custodians, respectively, according to the prison system director.
  • Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda said he would open dialogue only to secure the release of 46 hostages and will not restore privileges or order transfers.
  • Authorities reported no injuries or deaths and deployed National Police around the affected facilities.
  • Officials linked the disturbances to curtailed benefits for leaders of Barrio 18 and MS-13, and videos circulating online showed inmates demanding transfers.
  • The standoffs cap months of prison turmoil that included leader transfers to maximum security, deadly riots, an October mass escape and the arrival of an FBI team to support anti-gang efforts.