Posted: Tuesday, October 21, 2025. 7:40 pm CST.
By Aaron Humes: Calls for an independent investigation into alleged unlawful actions by law enforcement in the matter of the alleged abduction of Joseph Budna to Guatemala continue.
Budna faces a lengthy sentence related to his prior convictions. The government has faced significant criticism for its handling of the situation, with detractors accusing it of using Budna’s notoriety as a distraction from serious questions about law enforcement’s methods.
Government officials have repeatedly denied any involvement in Budna’s alleged abduction. However, the lack of clarity surrounding the circumstances has raised alarms among citizens and human rights advocates alike, who stress the importance of a transparent and unbiased investigation into police conduct.
Leader of the Opposition United Democratic Party, Tracy Taegar-Panton, said in a statement, “Today, many may accept that thinking because it is Budna. But tomorrow, when an officer is accused of assault, grievous harm, rape, or murder, that same logic cannot hold. The Rule of Law cannot be selective.”
While many express little sympathy for Budna due to his criminal history, others are increasingly concerned about the broader implications for justice and governance in Belize. Reports of rising violence involving law enforcement—from police officers charged with murder to those accused of sexual assault—have only intensified calls for reform, said Taegar-Panton.
Critics argue that the government is weaponizing public sentiment against Budna to avoid addressing these serious law enforcement issues. “Belize must be reminded that the strength of our democracy lies not in personalities but in principles, chief among them, the Rule of Law. It is not enough to claim justice when it suits us or to ignore injustice when it targets those we dislike. The true test of justice is whether it protects everyone, even the unpopular. Because once we allow exceptions, none of us [is] safe from the next one,” Taegar-Panton warned.
This rising tide of concern has led advocating for systemic changes within the Belize Police Department, urging the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms to prevent further abuses of power.
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The post Calls for Joseph Budna independent investigation continue appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, October 21, 2025. 7:40 pm CST. By Aaron Humes: Calls for an independent investigation into alleged unlawful actions by law enforcement in the matter
The post Calls for Joseph Budna independent investigation continue appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
