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Guatemala Prison Uprisings Leave 46 Guards Held as Government Refuses Concessions

Officials blame the coordinated unrest on revoked privileges for jailed gang leaders.

Overview

  • Hostages are held across three facilities: nine in Renovación I, 28 in Fraijanes, and nine in the Preventive prison, with one identified as a psychologist.
  • Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda says talks are limited to securing releases and that authorities will not restore privileges or approve transfers.
  • Authorities report no deaths or injuries among the hostages as security operations continue.
  • Police and soldiers have established perimeters around the affected prisons to contain the situation and prevent escapes.
  • Videos from inside show inmates demanding transfers, with reports citing the involvement of Barrio 18 and MS-13 against the backdrop of an ongoing prison crisis that included the October escape of 20 gang members.