What Will The Prime Minister Do?

Prime Minister John Briceño is expected to comment on the Budna Abduction Report. Over the weekend, News 5 confirmed with PM Briceño that he has received the police report on the matter and will issue his comments today.

Budna, who was abducted in late August outside the Orange Walk Police Station and handed over to Guatemalan authorities, alleges that police officers were directly involved in a state-ordered kidnapping. Authorities have denied the claim, but leaked surveillance footage showing officers on the scene has only deepened suspicion.

Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa has acknowledged that a crime was committed against Budna, stressing that even though he is considered one of the most dangerous figures in the nation, “he deserves to have his rights respected.” Musa has also called for an independent investigation, citing the troubling questions raised by the footage.

Behind the scenes, questions are being asked about how much the Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs knew and when. A source told News Five that both leaders receive daily security briefings, meaning they should have been aware of Budna’s abduction well before the police report was produced.

With the file now in his hands, Prime Minister Briceño faces mounting pressure. Will he endorse the police investigation as sufficient, or will he order an independent inquiry to ensure transparency? Will the Prime Minister fire Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado? Will the identities of the police officers be released? Will the security footage be released?

It is unclear if the Prime Minister will make comments via press release, a pre-recorded video statement or an interview.