Guatemala: Transport workers to hold protests in and around Guatemala City Aug. 2

Event

Taxi drivers and other transport workers plan to hold protests in the Guatemala City metropolitan area Aug. 2. Protesters will form caravans and drive to central Guatemala City from the following locations, early Aug. 2:

• Campos de Roosvelt (Zone 11)

• Obelisco (Zone 10)

• Molino de la Flores (Kilometer 15 on Carretera Roosevelt)

• Centra Norte (Zone 18)

• Boulevard Liberacion and 41 Calle (Zone 8)

• Calzada Aguilar Batres and 35 Calle (Zone 12)

• The municipalities of Mixco, San Juan Sacatepequez, San Pedro Sacatepequez, Chinautla, Chuarruancho, and San Raymundo

The drivers will then rally in front of the Constitutional Court near the intersection of 11 Avenida and 9A Calle from 06:00 to 16:00.

Significant transport disruptions are likely near the Constitutional Court and the march route. Police are likely to deploy near the demonstrations.

Context

The drivers are protesting a decree that effectively forces them to purchase a liability insurance policy. Since the demonstrations are planned not long after a major round of protests and a general strike July 29, they are likely to attract a significant number of demonstrators and prompt a large police response.

Advice

Avoid the protests as a precaution. Allow for additional travel time throughout the Guatemala City metropolitan area Aug. 2. Heed the instructions of security personnel on the scene.