Members of the sexual diversity march carried out a walk this Saturday, June 20, in Antigua Guatemala, amid disagreements with the municipal authorities over the use of spaces in the Historic Center.
From hours before the start of the activity, the presence of agents from the National Civil Police (PNC) and municipal police was observed at the entrances to the colonial city. Representatives of the Human Rights Ombudsman’s Office (PDH) and the Attorney General’s Office (PGN) also attended.
The walk began at 1:00 p.m. at the entrance to Antigua Guatemala that connects with San Lucas Sacatepéquez. A security device made up of municipal agents and PNC officers was installed at the site.
Upon arriving at the entrance to the city, the participants found restrictions to access the Historic Center. According to reports, a resolution of the Constitutional Court (CC) prevented the activity from entering that sector, after the Municipality of Antigua Guatemala denied authorization for the event.
Given this situation, the march continued its route along the perimeter of the urban area without entering the Historic Center.
During the activity, a group of participants managed to enter through another access; However, it later returned to the main route. Some attendees indicated that the action was intended to demonstrate that they could access the restricted area.
Later, a second attempt to enter the Historic Center was recorded, although the restrictions continued.
At 2 p.m., organizers and participants indicated that the walk had concluded. However, some people tried to enter cultural activities that took place in the Historic Center. The entrances remained closed by fences and under the protection of municipal agents.
At one of the entrances to the Central Park an argument occurred that led to an altercation. During the incident, municipal police subdued a foreigner who demanded the participants enter the restricted area. The nationality of that person is unknown at this time.
The activity took place under surveillance by security forces and in the midst of controversy between activists and municipal authorities over access to the Historic Center of Antigua Guatemala.