Guatemala declares state of siege in El Estor due to clashes between police and protesters

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – “The declaration of the state of siege is established upon considering and determining that actions affecting the order, governability and safety of residents have been committed in the municipality of El Estor, Izabal,” the Presidency explained to local media.

These acts have been perpetrated by “individuals and armed groups against the security forces and the freedom of movement of residents,” according to the government.

Therefore, for 30 days after the measure comes into force, the rights of freedom of action, legal detention, interrogation of detainees, rights of assembly and demonstration, and possession and carrying of weapons are restricted. In addition, a curfew from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM is imposed in the municipality.

The National Police has denounced on its social networks that a group of protesters has been blocking a road in the municipality for the last 18 days.

Tensions escalated in recent days as police efforts to clear the area were met with rock throwing and gunfire, which led to 4 police officers wounded by gunshots.

The protests have been led by indigenous citizens, who oppose extraction in the municipality’s Fénix mine, although the government has stressed that the company’s activities are in compliance with the established regulations.