Inmates in 3 Guatemalan prisons hold dozens of guards hostage
ABC News • • world
Key Points:
- Several dozen Guatemalan prison guards were taken hostage by inmates in three prisons during coordinated disturbances, according to authorities.
- Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda expressed willingness to talk with inmates but refused to meet their demands for the release of 46 guards.
- The uprising was reportedly triggered by prison administrators stripping privileges from gang leaders, with authorities emphasizing they do not negotiate with organized crime.
- National Police were deployed around the prisons, and no injuries or deaths have been reported so far.
- The incident follows recent security challenges, including the resignation of top officials after gang members escaped, with President Bernardo Arévalo stressing the importance of regaining control over the prison system.
