Guatemala declares state of emergency after gangster attacks

GUATEMALA CITY — The death toll from suspected gangsters’ attacks on Guatemalan police rose to nine Monday, as Guatemalans awoke to heavier security and curtailed rights after President Bernardo Arévalo declared a state of emergency.

The violence started Saturday when inmates took control of three prisons in apparently coordinated riots, taking 43 guards hostage. The gangs were demanding privileges for their members and leaders, according to authorities. Shortly after police liberated one prison Sunday morning, suspected gang members attacked police across the capital.

On Monday, National Civil Police Director David Custodio Boteo said that a ninth police officer had died early Monday from his injuries, adding that “there are several wounded who are in critical condition. ... Some also suffered amputations.”

Police honored the fallen officers in a ceremony Monday, where flag-draped coffins sat in the Interior Ministry.

“Today it pains me to give each one of the families this flag, symbol of the nation that will not forget the sacrifice and commitment of their police fallen in the fulfillment of their duty,” Arévalo said.

Meanwhile, the government gazette on Monday published Arévalo’s declaration of a 30-day state of emergency, saying there were “coordinated actions by self-named maras or gangs against state security forces, including armed attacks against civilian authorities.”

Among the rights that the declaration limits are freedom of action, demonstrations and carrying weapons. It also allows police to arrest people without providing a just cause, and security forces could also prohibit the movement of vehicles in certain places or subject them to searches.

The state of emergency requires congressional approval, and lawmakers were expected to vote Monday. However, it went into effect Sunday.

The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala had instructed U.S. government personnel to shelter in place Sunday. That was lifted later in the day, but they were “advised to maintain a high level of caution when traveling.”

In October, Congress reformed laws to declare members of the Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha gangs terrorists. The changes lengthened prison sentences for gang members who commit crimes.

The United States government also declared those gangs foreign terrorist organizations last year.

As a safety precaution, school was suspended nationwide Monday.

D. writes for the Associated Press.