Hostage Crisis in Guatemalan Prisons: Guards Held by Inmates in Coordinated Uprisings

Guatemalan prisons witnessed a coordinated uprising, resulting in dozens of prison guards being held hostage. Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda refused to negotiate with inmates, who were unhappy with the stripping of privileges. Police were deployed around the facilities with no injuries reported.

In a startling development, multiple prisons across Guatemala were engulfed in unrest as inmates coordinated to hold dozens of guards hostage. Authorities, grappling with this unexpected standoff, attribute the uprising to recent administrative decisions to revoke certain privileges from gang leaders behind bars.

Expressing a firm stance, Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda made it clear that the government would not yield to the demands of those whom he labeled as terrorists and organized criminals. While the demand from some inmates included transfer requests, the government's stance remained resolute in not negotiating under duress.

The coordinated acts of defiance come in the wake of President Bernardo Arévalo's recent acceptance of key security officials' resignations amid prior security lapses. Despite the tense situation, authorities reported no casualties, and the National Police have fortified the affected prisons to restore order.

(With inputs from agencies.)