By Belize Live News Staff: The Government of Belize has directed the police to hand over its investigation file on the disappearance of Belizean Ryan Joseph Budna to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
This decision, which came from the Cabinet meeting on October 28 following legal advice from the Attorney General, marks a significant reversal of a previously considered independent investigation.
Prime Minister John Briceno confirmed that an independent probe has been canceled. In a recent interview, the Prime Minister explained his recommendation to Cabinet was to “just pass it on to the DPP and let them deal with it,” stating this was based on the Attorney General’s advice that there is “no law… that we could put a body to investigate” such a matter in this way.
The case has drawn widespread public concern, with allegations that Budna was abducted and transported to Guatemala, where he had reportedly escaped from prison.
Instead of a new probe, the case will be reviewed by the DPP, who, as the Prime Minister noted, has the authority to “direct the police to go back and investigate further, if needed.”
