UDP Raises Alarm Over Alleged Abduction of Joseph Budna

In related news, the United Democratic Party (UDP) has voiced grave concern over the alleged “extra-judicial abduction” of Belizean citizen Joseph Budna, who was recently returned to Guatemalan custody after escaping a prison there in 2019. In a statement, the UDP leader, Shyne Barrow, condemned the action as a potential breach of national sovereignty and human rights, even while not condoning Budna’s past convictions for heinous crimes.  The UDP’s statement references a circulating audio recording in which a voice, purportedly Budna’s, alleges that he was abducted by “police from Belize” outside a police station in Orange Walk Central and handed over to Guatemalan law enforcement at the Arenal border. The party noted the seriousness of the allegations, particularly in light of Guatemala’s ongoing territorial claim to Belize.  Furthermore, the UDP suggested the alleged abduction could be an attempt to silence a voice of dissent, noting that Budna had used his significant social media following to criticize government corruption. The party concluded by calling for a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable, emphasizing that if such an event can happen to one citizen, all Belizeans are at risk.