Government Denies Claims of Cross-Border Role in Joseph Budna Capture

Belizean authorities have formally denied claims of an incursion into sovereign territory following the recapture of fugitive Joseph Budna by Guatemalan police over the weekend. The updates came from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Prime Minister, both of whom have publicly rejected theories of an alleged kidnapping orchestrated by the Belizean state.  A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that there is no evidence to support the idea that Guatemalan forces illegally entered Belizean territory to detain Budna. This declaration aimed to quell public speculation that the arrest was the result of a cross-border abduction. The Ministry’s position was reinforced by the Prime Minister, who also dismissed the notion of state involvement in Budna’s disappearance and subsequent capture.

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “The abduction of any citizen of this country is a serious one. We’ve had instances when from across in Chetumal they’ve come and grabbed our citizens and we are accordingly so. This case is no different. We’re going to act accordingly and to be able to ensure that our citizens can feel safe in our country. I can’t stop the sentiment of the public if that is what they want to feel. I can assure you that the government did not sanction this. Our government would never sanction such a thing. Let’s stop the speculation. Let’s allow the police to do their investigation. Once they do their investigation, then we know how to be able to do.”