“No Negotiations with Barrio 18 Gang”
Guatemala City, Jan 17 (EFE).-
The Guatemalan government said it “will not negotiate” with the leaders of the Barrio 18 gang, who are staging simultaneous riots in three prisons and holding 46 prison employees hostage in order to gain privileges.
The inmates are holding nine guards hostage at Renovación I maximum-security prison in the department of Escuintla, nine at Sector 11 of the Preventive Center in Zone 18 on the outskirts of the capital, and 28 officers at Fraijanes II.
External attacks intended to create chaos have also been reported, including the burning of a vehicle on the Pacific Highway.
In a press conference, Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda attributed the revolt to an orchestrated reaction by organized crime to recent raids aimed at regaining state control, dismantling extortion call centers, and curbing the flow of illicit goods.
“This government will not make any deals with any terrorist group. I will not give in to their blackmail, and I will not return privileges in order for them to cease their actions,” Villeda declared, ruling out any dialogue that would involve restoring benefits to the inmates.
According to official information, the demands come from Barrio 18 leader Aldo López Ochoa, alias Lodo, who was demanding his transfer and amenities such as air conditioning, food deliveries from restaurants, and a king-size bed in his cell.
The minister held the inmates responsible for the safety of those being held hostage and warned of the imminent use of force by law enforcement.
“Terrorists have no right to dictate the state’s agenda (…) If it is necessary to use state force to regain control of these centers and enforce this order, we will do so,” the official declared.
Authorities have deployed security perimeters with the National Civil Police and the army to prevent escapes and protect the civilian population, while they assess a tactical incursion to free the personnel. EFE
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