Stories from Guatemala

Various business chambers in Guatemala issued a statement rejecting road blockades occurring at multiple points across the country today. The Guatemalan Association of Exporters warned that historical blockades have caused economic damage and supply chain interruptions. The association called for dialogue and institutional solutions to address citizen demands without affecting governability. The statement was made in the context of ongoing logistics concerns in the country. Guatemalan exporters have warned that current conditions risk 1 billion pesos in exports, employment, and supplies. The Chamber of Commerce of Guatemala joined the call for authorities to intervene immediately to clear blocked points. Exporters are requesting the restoration of the rule of law to protect the rights of citizens. The disruptions threaten the stability of local supply chains.

A new AI development and innovation center will be constructed in Topuzco, approximately 60 km southwest of Sacatepéquez. The facility is planned to be a hyperscale data center with Tier 4 standards, which is the highest level used in the European Union.

Allegations of fraud have been made against USAC Rector Termas Arigos. These actions allegedly occurred during the directorate election process.

A structural fire occurred on the third floor of a residence located in an alleyway in Cantón, Mosquito, within the San Pedro municipality. The incident took place in San Marcos. No casualties or specific damage amounts were reported in the broadcast.

The Prosecutor's Office's Femicide Crimes Division conducted raids on 20 residences in zones 1 and 6 of Guatemala City. The operations were part of ongoing investigations by the Public Ministry. Oscar Grijalma reported the details of the raids. No specific arrests or charges were detailed in the report. Authorities reported the seizure of various illicit items during the operations. The raids occurred following several hours of activity by the Public Ministry.

Two roadblocks were registered at 8:00 AM on the 108 kilometer stretch of the El Salvador highway. The closures are located at Breder de Paz and Sada Jutiapa. Vehicle passage is currently closed at both points, according to the report.

Cyberattacks have targeted the General Directorate of Arms and Ammunition Control and the Ministry of Labor in Guatemala. The source noted these incidents occurred in close succession. Evaluations have determined the specific actors responsible for the three most recent cyberattacks against Guatemalan agencies and universities. Experts confirmed the identity of the hackers involved in these specific incidents. Authorities have determined the identities of the actors who carried out the attacks. Authorities at Universidad San Carlos confirmed that an attempted hack occurred, though they stated no data was compromised. Reports also indicate potential hacking activity targeting systems at Universidad Rafael Landívar. The specific scope of the breaches or the identity of the actors remains unconfirmed. Cyberattacks have targeted the systems of two of Guatemala's most universities.

Security forces in Guatemala identified more than 33 unauthorized parking attendants following complaints from foreign tourists. The individuals were reportedly charging up to 50 dollars for parking near the La Aurora Zoo. Demonstrations by military veterans are also planned at various locations across the country. The reports alleged charges of up to $50 in the vicinity of the La Aurora Zoo. The identification follows specific denunciations regarding these unauthorized collections. Military veterans have also planned demonstrations at various points across the country for today.

The Director of ONCE, Carla Gomez, stated that the Ministry of the Interior and the National Civil Police (PNC) have not yet enabled the instruments required to implement the food bonus for police agents. Gomez provided this information during a summons with Deputy José Cheek. The report aims to track the application of the food bonus for PNC agents. The delay affects the distribution of food bonuses intended for police personnel. A Guatemalan deputy is proposing a monthly bonus of 500 quetzales for police agents to be used for food. The deputy highlighted a lack of published regulations from the Ministry of the Interior regarding the specific regime. The proposal also addresses potential irregularities in the management of dining halls. The deputy noted that the specific regime is regulated under Article 35 of the new PNC law.

A report from the High Commissioner on Human Rights in Guatemala indicates ongoing violations of university autonomy. The report cites actions by the University Superior Council that limit rights to participation, freedom of association, and free expression. Students, teachers, and workers have reportedly faced retaliatory attacks after reporting these issues. The findings suggest these actions undermine due process and peaceful assembly within the institution. Human rights defenders have reported violations regarding academic competition and the safety of the university environment at the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC). The reports claim threats to the ability of students, teachers, and workers to organize and express themselves peacefully. These groups argue that protecting the academic and social functions of USAC is essential for civic space and human rights.