By Belize Live News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño has categorically denied that his administration sanctioned any move that led to the disappearance and effective extradition of Belizean Joseph Budna into Guatemala.
Speaking to the media, Briceño said: “Obviously no, our government would never sanction such a thing. We were not part of that so no, the government did not and would never have sanctioned any such thing on any citizen of this country.”
Budna reportedly vanished from outside the Orange Walk Police Station before turning up in Guatemalan custody, prompting questions about whether Guatemalan security forces conducted operations on Belizean soil.
When asked directly, the Prime Minister said speculation should be avoided and urged the public to allow the Belize Police Department to complete its investigation. “The police is doing their investigation, so I don’t think you should be speculating. Let’s allow the police to do their investigation,” Briceño said.
Pressed on what the incident says about Belize’s national security, the Prime Minister emphasized that the abduction of any Belizean citizen is a serious matter but noted that the government has experience responding to similar situations. He recalled past instances where citizens were allegedly taken from Chetumal and affirmed: “We act accordingly and will ensure that our citizens can feel safe in our country.”
For now, the government maintains that the state played no role in Budna’s transfer to Guatemalan authorities, as police investigations continue.
