PM Briceño Demands Police Report on Budna’s Kidnapping

Prime Minister John Briceño has demanded answers from the Belize Police Department on the abduction of Joseph Budna, who was handed over to Guatemalan authorities almost two weeks ago.

Speaking to News 5, Briceño confirmed that he instructed Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa to deliver a full police report “today or tomorrow at the very latest.” The Prime Minister said the report will determine whether an independent investigation is necessary, adding that his administration will not hesitate to take that step if required.

Briceño stressed that the government had no part in Budna’s transfer and made it clear that if evidence shows police involvement, it will be dealt with.

“Let me repeat, this was not sanctioned by the Government of Belize,” Briceño said.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca confirmed that Belizean officials met with Budna at a Guatemalan prison to ensure he is in good health and has access to legal representation. But the central question remains unanswered: who orchestrated the violent handover of Joseph Budna across the border?