The dissatisfied congregated this Thursday, June 19 in front of the Court of First Criminal Instance of Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepéquez, where the mayor of the colonial city, Juan Manuel Asturias, appeared to a diligence related to dismissals of municipal personnel. However, at the end of the audience, disturbances were recorded that included push and damage to an official vehicle.
According to publications in social networks and local media, protesters say that Asturias left the court dressed as an agent of the National Civil Police (PNC) and addressed a vehicle of the Municipal Traffic Police (PMT) of Antigua Guatemala. However, the Communa Communication Department maintains that no video distinguishes the face of the mayor confirming that statement.
It also circulated in social networks and media that the audience responded to a request to retire for prejudice for a case of alleged corruption. However, the commune indicated that the case refers to processes of dismissal of municipal personnel.
The videos show how the crowd is poured on the vehicle that tries to withdraw from the place. In the middle of the tumult, one of the glass was hit by a stone that, according to the commune, was thrown by a woman who protested.
The Municipality reported that the TUC TUC TUC Tuc Tuc Guatemala guild notified the Departmental Government of Sacatepéquez about its intention to carry out a peaceful protest in front of the Court of First Criminal Instance. So far, said guild has not spoken about it.
“This day, within the framework of a judicial hearing in which Mr. Municipal Mayor appeared, demonstrations were registered in front of the Court that, far from expressing a peaceful demonstration, resulted in violent acts, intimidation and destruction of public goods and, mainly, which threaten the lives of those who were in place,” says a statement issued by the commune.
He adds: “We categorically reject the actions of a minority group who seek, through misinformation and violence, alter due process, manipulate public opinion and delegitimize current management. We remember that justice must act independently and without external interference, and that political differences must be resolved by institutional roads and not through harassment or violence.”
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