Guatemala journalist Sonny Figueroa detained amid police misconduct allegations

Guatemalan journalist Sonny Figueroa was detained in Guatemala City during a news coverage operation. His colleague, Marvin Del Cid, co-founder of the media outlet Vox Populi, has accused the National Civil Police (PNC) of physical aggression, illegal detention, and attempting to seize electronic devices including computers and phones.

Del Cid reported that officers threatened them with firearms and blocked their path. In response to the incident, a criminal complaint has been filed with the Public Ministry, and a personal exhibition has been requested through the Human Rights Ombudsman.

The PNC has denied the allegations of journalistic targeting, stating that the intervention was part of a public order operation. According to the police, Figueroa was detained for allegedly consuming alcohol in public, failing to present identification, and insulting officers. The PNC has requested its General Inspectorate to review the procedure to ensure compliance with established protocols.