Belmopan, August 25, 2025.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is supporting the ongoing investigation being conducted by the Belize Police Department, into the circumstances under which Mr. Joseph Budna, a Belizean national, was transferred to the Republic of Guatemala. The Ministry has directed the Embassy of Belize in Guatemala to engage with Guatemalan authorities to obtain any available information regarding Mr. Budna in support of the investigation.
However, the Ministry can confirm that there is no evidence to support the assertion that Guatemalan authorities entered Belize to apprehend Mr. Budna.
The Ministry remains committed to upholding the rights and welfare of all Belizean nationals and has instructed the Embassy of Belize in Guatemala to provide consular support to Mr. Budna to ensure that he receives the medical assistance needed and that his human rights are protected.
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