By Belize Live News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño says his administration is considering formally asking Guatemala to return Joseph Budna to Belize so that he can serve any remaining prison sentence locally.
Speaking earlier today on The Morning Show, the Prime Minister explained that he intends to raise the issue at the Cabinet level and has already begun discussing the matter with several ministers.
Briceño said the proposal would involve a government-to-government request for Budna to be transferred back to Belize, not for his release, but to complete any remaining prison term.
According to the Prime Minister, Belize has previously engaged in prisoner transfer arrangements with Mexico, and a similar agreement could potentially be explored with Guatemala.
Briceño noted that under such arrangements, the individual is returned to Belize but must still serve the remainder of their sentence in prison.
The Prime Minister added that he is currently uncertain how much time Budna has left to serve in Guatemala, but Belize would ensure that any remaining sentence is enforced locally.
Budna remains incarcerated in Guatemala following his controversial abduction from Orange Walk in August, an incident that drew national attention and sparked concerns about cross-border security.
The government is expected to continue discussions before determining whether a formal request will be made to Guatemalan authorities.
