Guatemala decrees 30-day state of emergency in two departments after lawmaker killed

Guatemalan authorities on Saturday (November 14) decreed a state of emergency in the eastern departments of Zacapa and Izabal, banning outdoor gatherings and boosting powers for security forces. The decree is effective immediately and lasts 30 days. The two neighbouring departments span an area roughly the size of Qatar.

Gatherings banned; arrests and home entries without warrant allowed

Under the decree, outdoor gatherings are limited and security officials may disperse groups by force, as well as make arrests and enter residences without a warrant.

Follows a series of armed attacks in Zacapa

The announcement follows a series of armed attacks in Zacapa, including the shooting of lawmaker Julio Cesar Portillo in Rio Hondo on November 6. According to Reuters, the decree came about a week after a lawmaker and three police officers were killed in an attack.

Source: Reuters.