Twenty alleged Barrio 18 members escaped Guatemala’s Fraijanes II prison, triggering backlash against President Bernardo Arévalo and fresh anti-gang proposals.
The escape of 20 “high-risk” gang members from a prison has sparked a political crisis in Guatemala, with criticism of President Bernardo Arévalo and calls for the resignation of the security minister.
Authorities revealed that inmates from the Barrio 18 gang, designated a “terrorist” organization by Washington, escaped from Fraijanes II prison near the capital.
The United States called the escape “unacceptable”
Politicians, analysts, and business groups raised their voices against government inaction amid rising homicides in the country.
Author's summary: Guatemala faces backlash after gang members escape.