Posted: Monday, August 25, 2025. 10:29 am CST.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: The detention of Joseph “Ryan” Budna in Guatemala has sparked heated debate across Belizean social media, where many are defending him as a victim despite his history of serious criminal charges.
Budna, a familiar figure online for his outspoken Facebook Live videos, is being portrayed by supporters as an innocent Belizean wrongfully targeted.
But critics argue that this narrative ignores his criminal record in both Belize and Guatemala.
Senator Louis Wade Jr. was blunt in his assessment, calling Budna’s case a reflection of Belize’s misplaced sympathies. “We created a homegrown criminal then exported him to Guatemala. We then welcomed him back with open arms as a hero… we are now up in arms that his deeds have caught up with him and he has been exported back to Guatemala to face his crimes,” Wade said.
Wade compared the stark contrast: “In Guatemala: rapist, armed and dangerous kidnapper, fugitive. In Belize: beloved internet sensation, influencer, humble servant, victim. Nuff said.”
Other Belizeans echoed Wade’s view, questioning why some are quick to defend Budna despite his criminal past.
Other commenters shared similar views with 1 person saying, “A rapist, killer, kidnapper, extortionist, thief says police kidnapped him — and without evidence, you all just believe the convict.”
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Posted: Monday, August 25, 2025. 10:29 am CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff: The detention of Joseph “Ryan” Budna in Guatemala has sparked heated debate across
The post Some Belizeans defend Joseph ‘Ryan’ Budna despite criminal past appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.