Central America

Indigenous Guatemalans reject pro-military candidates

Photo: publinews

June 22 |

The Coordinadora de Organizaciones Indígenas de Guatemala, Genocidio Nunca Más, (CGNM) called on Wednesday to reject the presidential candidates linked to the military and organized crime who will compete in the general elections on June 25.

Through a communiqué, in the framework of the National Day Against Enforced Disappearances, the organization pointed out that, since the signing of the Peace Accords, “governments that deny our memory, protect criminals and repress against our demands for justice and dignified life have been imposed”.

Specifically, they demand to “reject” the candidacy of Zury Ríos Sosa, daughter of the coup dictator Efraín Ríos Montt, in power from 1982 to 1983, as well as that of the former first lady, Sandra Torres.

They also point to diplomat Edmond Mulet, presidential candidate for the Cabal party, whom they accuse of being involved in the theft and illegal trafficking of children during the internal armed conflict.

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On the other hand, they deny the congressman Manuel Conde, who is running for the Presidency for the ruling Vamos party. These candidates are leading the polls in the Central American country.

In this sense, the indigenous people asked the 9.3 million Guatemalans to vote for those candidates who represent “democratic principles”.

This Sunday’s elections must elect the president, vice-president, 160 deputies to Congress, 20 to the Central American Parliament, and 340 municipal corporations for the 2024-2028 period.

Central America

Panama’s former president Martinelli claims political enemies tried to kill him

Former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli claimed on Friday that his political enemies intended to kill him once he departed for Nicaragua. Martinelli has been sheltering in Nicaragua’s embassy in Panama City for over a year to evade a money laundering conviction.

“They wanted to kill me,” Martinelli stated in a social media post, without specifying who he was referring to. His remarks came after the safe-conduct pass granted by the Panamanian government for his travel to Managua expired at midnight on Thursday.

In a statement, Panama’s Foreign Ministry announced that the permit had expired without Nicaragua officially agreeing to receive the former president. According to Martinelli, Nicaraguan authorities reconsidered the transfer, suspecting it was an “ambush” or a “trap.”

“It was a vile trap they were trying to set up. On one hand, they pretended to offer me a way out, but on the other, they wanted to ruin me by inventing all sorts of accusations,” Martinelli added, thanking Nicaragua and confirming that he will remain in asylum.

Central America

Guatemalan police officer killed in mob riots over baby kidnapping

A police officer was killed during riots provoked by an enraged mob in a Guatemalan town following the kidnapping of a baby, the government reported on Wednesday.

The incidents began on Tuesday night and continued into the early hours of Wednesday in the town of San Vicente Pacaya, about 25 km south of the capital, according to Minister of the Interior Francisco Jiménez.

“There was an incident in San Vicente Pacaya where, unfortunately, a police officer died after being struck in the head with a stone. He passed away this morning,” Jiménez said in a press conference.

He explained that the unrest erupted following the arrest of two suspects in connection with the kidnapping of “a baby just a few months old,” including a woman with a criminal record.

Sports

Venezuela investigates 18 baseball players seeking asylum in Spain

Maduro calls on military to be alert to alleged plan by "fascist groups"

The Venezuelan government announced on Wednesday that it is investigating the case of 18 baseball players who are “under the supervision of Spanish authorities” after seeking protection.

In a statement, Venezuelan authorities said they are working to determine whether this case involves “a possible human trafficking scheme,” though they have not provided any evidence of such a crime.

The Venezuelan government emphasized its commitment to protecting the country’s athletes while also denouncing the use of international legal frameworks by certain governments allegedly seeking to discredit the administration.

CNN reached out to Spain’s National Police for a response to Venezuela’s claims. According to Spanish authorities, the 18 young athletes—including two minors—arrived in Spain to participate in a series of matches but had already planned to apply for asylum. Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that they had begun interviewing the players to process their international protection requests.

The team’s coach addressed the situation in a TikTok video, refuting local media reports that he had abandoned the athletes. He asserted that the players chose to remain in Barcelona to secure the necessary permits to sign with other teams and that their decision was unrelated to any political motivations.