Santiago Atitlán, Sololá, experienced a day of demonstrations on the night of Wednesday, July 1, which led to acts of violence during the return of the mayor, Francisco Coché Pablo, to the municipality.
The mayor returned to the municipality after recent judicial resolutions related to the holding of Council sessions and his participation in them.
During the day, disturbances were reported in the facilities of the Chuk Muk Ecomuseum, a building that was later set on fire by a group of people, according to preliminary reports collected at the scene.
Information obtained by local media indicates that the mayor was in the property, accompanied by his lawyer and other people.
In addition, it was confirmed that Francisco Coché Pablo was evacuated from Santiago Atitlán aboard a boat to Panajachel, where he was received by lifeguards and later transferred to a care center. The mayor was admitted in critical condition due to injuries suffered during the incidents.
Likewise, it was confirmed that at least three civilians were injured by gunshots, for which they were transferred to the Sololá Departmental Hospital to receive medical attention. Initially they received attention from the Departmental Municipal Firefighters of San Lucas Tolimán and then were transferred to the 74th Company of the Volunteer Firefighters of San Andrés Semetabaj to complete their transfer.
In addition, approximately six people who accompanied the mayor were reportedly injured by physical attacks during the riots.
The authorities continue with the investigations to clarify what happened and determine the corresponding responsibilities.
The National Civil Police (PNC) reported that, according to preliminary information, two agents were transferred to the Guatemalan Social Security Institute and are stable. They did not suffer serious injuries.
Property set on fire
Moment when a mob sets fire to the Chuk Muk Ecomuseum.
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With information from Fredy de León