Guatemala's PNC urges justice system to prevent release of gang suspects

The National Civil Police (PNC) of Guatemala has issued a formal call to the country’s justice system to prevent the immediate release of suspected gang members and individuals linked to terrorist organizations. The police warned that granting liberties, substitute measures, or findings of lack of merit to these suspects undermines security efforts and causes public unrest.

To combat this, the PNC announced it will intensify investigative and operational actions against gangs and criminal structures. The institution has ordered police units to strengthen the preparation of case files, ensuring that reports, technical expertise, and evidence chains are handled with “absolute procedural precision.” The goal is to work closely with the Public Ministry to provide “solid, reliable, and unassailable” evidence to support the criminal responsibility of detainees.

The statement follows recent incidents where suspects, including individuals captured in raids, regained their freedom shortly after appearing before a judge. The PNC emphasized that judicial decisions must reflect the gravity of crimes classified under terrorism legislation to ensure that dangerous actors are not reinserted into society.