The state of emergency, which the president said would last 30 days, began on Sunday. The government justifies the measure, which among other things suspends freedom of assembly, saying it is needed to combat criminal gangs in the country.
This weekend, a total of 46 prison guards were taken hostage at three prisons where drug cartel leaders are serving sentences. The motive was reportedly to have the cartel leaders transferred to lower-security prisons.
This weekend, eight police officers were killed in Guatemala City in attacks that authorities believe are linked to the incidents at the prisons. Another ten police officers were injured in the attacks.
According to the government, control over the prisons was regained on Sunday.
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