Guatemala Lifts State of Emergency After Police Killings

Guatemala has ended its state of emergency, initiated when President Bernardo Arévalo exercised special powers following the murder of 10 police officers by suspected gang members. Restrictions, such as warrantless arrests, are lifted, but new measures will follow. Arrests of 83 gang members were reported during the emergency.

Guatemala has officially lifted its state of emergency, a decision made a month after President Bernardo Arévalo enacted special measures in response to the killing of 10 police officers by suspected gang members.

The emergency decree had allowed authorities to bypass certain constitutional rights, such as making arrests without judicial warrants. These restrictions will no longer be in effect, as less stringent measures are set to replace them starting Tuesday, though Arévalo has not specified what they entail.

During the monthlong emergency period, Arévalo reported the arrest of 83 gang members and a decrease in homicides and extortion cases. In contrast, El Salvador continues to extend its emergency powers to combat gang violence, under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele.

(With inputs from agencies.)