Posted: Tuesday, November 4, 2025. 6:43 am CST.
By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): The Government of Belize has clarified why an independent investigation cannot be conducted into the Joseph Budna kidnapping case, saying current laws do not allow for such a process.
Minister Henry Charles Usher explained that under Belize’s legal system, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has full authority to assess whether charges should be filed.
“The DPP is the independent authority that reviews reports and determines whether further investigation or charges are needed,” Usher said. He added that while independent investigations exist in other countries, Belize does not yet have the legislative framework to implement them.
Usher acknowledged that Cabinet has discussed potential reforms, including creating an independent agency to review major incidents, but emphasized that the Budna case will proceed like any other under existing laws.
He further noted that oversight bodies such as the Ombudsman’s Office or a Senate special select committee can still review certain types of cases, depending on their scope.
For now, the Budna report remains with the DPP, who will decide whether additional investigation or criminal charges are necessary.
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The post GOB explains why independent Budna investigation isn’t possible under law appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, November 4, 2025. 6:43 am CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): The Government of Belize has clarified why an independent investigation cannot be
The post GOB explains why independent Budna investigation isn’t possible under law appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.