August Warns Foreign Assistance in Phone Search Raises Constitutional Concerns

Alberto August is pushing back against what he describes as an attempt by police to gain access to his personal cellular phones, warning that any foreign assistance used to facilitate such a move could amount to a violation of his constitutional rights.  In a statement posted to social media shortly after midday today, August directly referenced reports that authorities may seek assistance from the United States in accessing the contents of his devices. He wrote, quote, “The US Embassy Belize and the US State Department, by extension, will be acting well outside its mandate if ever it assists the politically manipulated leadership of police department and its romantically connected IT Unit to clearly violate my constitutional right to privacy by forcefully opening my personal cellular telephones.”  End of quote.  August went on to say that he would willingly cooperate with investigators if they could demonstrate any evidence linking him to criminal activity. He added, quote, “I will gladly open the phones for US and police inspection if they can show me just one iota of any allegation that I am involved in any kind of criminal activity whatsoever.”  The comments come amid an ongoing cybercrime investigation tied to a Facebook post in which August mocked Minister of Home Affairs and Enterprises Oscar Mira. August has maintained that while he authored the post, it does not constitute a criminal offence.  Last week, it emerged that police had made an application before the Belize City Magistrate’s Court seeking a search warrant and an order compelling August to unlock his cellular phones. The matter was initially heard ex parte, meaning August was not required to be present or notified. However, the hearing was adjourned after police requested additional time.  The application has sparked criticism from the opposition. Former UDP Chairman Michael Peyrefitte questioned why investigators require access to the phones when August has already acknowledged making the post at the center of the case. Peyrefitte suggested the move could be an attempt to examine communications unrelated to the cybercrime allegation, a claim police have not publicly addressed.  The matter is expected to return to court this week as legal arguments continue over the scope of the investigation and whether authorities should be granted access to the contents of August’s devices.