P.M. confirms independent investigation into Budna abduction remains possible pending complete Police report

Posted: Sunday, September 14, 2025. 7:04 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: Prime Minister John Briceño addressed the ongoing investigation into the abduction of Joseph Budna, emphasizing that the possibility of an independent inquiry is still on the table.

“Nobody has said no to an independent investigation,” Briceño stated. He clarified that the police will first be tasked with providing a comprehensive report, which will guide any further course of action. “…if there is need for an independent investigation, then we will do so, but allow us to be able to get that report, then we will decide what we are supposed to do,” he explained.

In response to queries about the report’s submission process, Briceno clarified that it would be delivered to him as Prime Minister before any further discussions are held with the Cabinet or the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The Prime Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the initial report he received, describing it as “unsatisfactory and incomplete.” He stated this was because police had insufficient time to finalize their findings, having only been given approximately 24 hours to respond to his demands for information. We note that police were supposed to have begun looking into the circumstances of the abduction after initially having failed to prevent it on the night of August 22.

When pressed about potential conflicts of interest regarding Assistant Commissioner of Police Suzette Anderson, a constituent of his, Briceño defended his choice, stating, “I have had no discussions with her… I have every confidence in (Acting Commissioner of Police) Bart Jones and Ms. Anderson to be able to do what is right.” He reiterated that the police must be allowed to conduct their investigation without interference.

Regarding the release of surveillance footage related to Budna’s abduction, Briceño assured that it would be made public once the investigation concludes. “We don’t have anything to hide,” he remarked, adding that the footage is crucial for determining the extent of police involvement, if any.

As pressure mounts for accountability and clarity surrounding the case, the Prime Minister remains firm in his stance that all investigative avenues will be explored once the officers have had a chance to complete their initial findings. “I can’t accept anything until I get the report and I get the evidence,” he concluded.

He also reiterated that his Government was not responsible and would not condone such actions: “…this was not sanctioned by the State. I can tell you, I had no idea of this going on and if I should have known, I would have immediately said that cannot happen in our government.”

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.

© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.

The post P.M. confirms independent investigation into Budna abduction remains possible pending complete Police report appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Sunday, September 14, 2025. 7:04 pm CST. By Aaron Humes: Prime Minister John Briceño addressed the ongoing investigation into the abduction of Joseph Budna, emphasizing
The post P.M. confirms independent investigation into Budna abduction remains possible pending complete Police report appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.