Death Toll Rises to 10 in Gangsters’ Attacks on Guatemalan Police as State of Emergency Is Declared

The death toll from suspected gangsters’ attacks on Guatemalan police rose to 10 on Monday, as Guatemalans saw heavier security in the streets and curtailed rights after Congress approved President Bernardo Arévalo’s emergency declaration. 
 
The violence started Saturday when inmates seized control of three prisons in apparently coordinated riots, taking 43 guards hostage. The gangs were demanding privileges for their members and leaders, according to authorities. Shortly after police liberated one prison Sunday morning, suspected gang members attacked police across the capital. 
 
Officials said late Monday a tenth police officer died following the attacks. 
 
Police honored the fallen officers in a ceremony Monday, where flag-draped coffins sat in the Interior Ministry. 
 
Meanwhile, the government gazette published Monday Arévalo’s declaration of a 30-day state of emergency, saying there were “coordinated actions by self-named maras or gangs against state security forces, including armed attacks against civilian authorities.” 
 
Among the rights that the declaration limits are freedom of action and demonstrations. It also allows police to arrest people without a judicial order if they are suspected gang members. Security forces could also prohibit the movement of vehicles in certain places or subject them to searches. 
 
Read more here.