By Belize Live News Staff: Alberto August, the Deputy Chairman of the UDP, is now facing a serious legal situation following recent changes in the law that elevate certain offenses to aggravated assault, specifically those involving public officials and figures, including the media. The modifications have intensified the consequences of assaults against these individuals, putting August in the spotlight.
The incident occurred 11 days ago when August reportedly made an offhand comment to Tracy Gonzalez, an employee at the Elections and Boundaries office in San Ignacio. According to reports, August told Gonzalez that he didn’t care if she decided to sue him. Though this might not appear as a significant offense, the charged political environment in the Cayo district added weight to the statement. As a result, a formal complaint was filed, and the situation escalated to a charge of aggravated assault. Normally, such words might be considered merely “insulting,” but because they were directed at a public official, the charge has been upgraded under the new legal framework.
August has since been arraigned and released on bail.
In response, the UDP issued a statement defending August, arguing that the charges are part of a broader attempt to silence him and detract from what they claim is organized electoral fraud and illegal voter registration happening within the Elections and Boundaries Department in San Ignacio.
The party further criticized the allegations, stating that August is being unjustly charged for expressing his views and that the accusations against him are both baseless and harmful to the democratic process.
