EXCLUSIVE: Police Commissioner Breaks Silence on Budna Abduction Video

For the first time since explosive video footage emerged showing the abduction of Joseph Budna outside the Orange Walk Police Station, Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado has responded directly to News 5.

The Commissioner urged the public to allow investigators to complete their work.

“Kindly allow the investigative process to take its course. We are committed to being transparent about our findings to the extent allowed by law and without compromising the integrity of the investigation or the rights of the individuals involved,” told News 5.

The leaked footage shows men assaulting Budna before dragging him into a waiting vehicle. A police officer can also be seen at the scene, walking up to one of the men before returning to the station. Asked whether this contradicted his earlier public statement that “no police officer approached those individuals,” Rosado defended his position.

“I maintain that what is being alleged was not sanctioned by me or my senior command,” he said. “If the investigations find that protocols were violated, appropriate actions will be taken. Until we have all the facts, I cannot make a legal determination or prejudge the findings.”

Pressed on whether the video suggested rogue officers may have been involved, Rosado was cautious.

“Whilst some media houses are in the business of sensationalizing things, I am here to ensure that we get the facts on what occurred. I believe that the public should not have to choose between believing a victim and believing the police. They should be able to believe in the process designed to find the truth,” he said.

Rosado would not confirm whether he viewed the leaked footage prior to its circulation, nor would he commit to releasing the full surveillance video, citing evidentiary concerns.

“I will not discuss any evidential material collected by the investigators at this time but rest assure that we are committed to being transparent about our findings to the extent allowed by law and without compromising the integrity of the investigation or the rights of the individuals involved,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister John Briceño has ordered the Minister of Home Affairs to deliver a report on the Budna investigation by the end of today.