Summary
Guatemala's president declared a 30-day state of emergency after gang members took hostages and killed police officers in retaliation for government actions in prisons. The emergency order limits some civil rights and allows security forces to act without court approval. The riots were linked to efforts to restrict gang leaders' privileges, and all hostages have since been freed.
Key Facts
- Guatemala's president declared a state of emergency after violence erupted in prisons.
- Gang members took at least 46 hostages and killed at least seven police officers.
- The state of emergency allows security to arrest or question people without court approval.
- Affected areas include three prisons where riots broke out in response to limiting gang leaders' privileges.
- Riot control involved police and military raids on the prisons.
- Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gangs were involved in the violence.
- Guatemala's Congress classified these gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.
