Guatemala: Retired military veterans to protest nationwide Oct. 25-27

Event

Military veterans groups plan to protest nationwide Oct. 25-27 to demand additional payments for their past military service and denounce the recently approved law requiring veterans to be a part of a development program to receive compensation. Organizers have announced that participants aim to establish blockades at multiple locations, including on highways and city centers.

In Guatemala City, demonstrations are planned outside the Congress of the Republic, the Presidency of the Republic, in Plaza de la Constitucion, and near the Aurora International Airport (GUA).

Organizers have announced the following additional protest locations:

• Puerto Quetzal Highway

• Calle Vieja, Escuintla

• Finca Montana Larga, Escuintla

• La Ruidosa, Izabal

• Boqueron, Huehuetenango

• Las Vegas, Huehuetenango

• Piedras Negras, Huehuetenango

• Cruce Esteban, Chiquimula

• Rio Hondo, Zacapa

• Perenco, Peten

• San Antonio, Mazatenango

Officials are likely to deploy security personnel to all protest sites. Clashes between demonstrators and police are possible if protesters are overly disruptive or ignore official orders to disperse. Severe disruptions to intra-and inter-city transport services are likely.

Advice

Avoid all protests and related events as a precaution. Do not attempt to cross protesters' erected roadblocks; utilize alternative routes or wait for the police to reopen affected roads. Confirm business appointments in advance. Allow additional time to reach your destination if operating in Guatemala over the coming days.