Guatemala: Indigenous activists to block multiple roads, borders and ports nationwide starting 05:30 Oct. 2

Event

Indigenous activists affiliated with the 48 Cantons of Totonicapan (Los 48 Cantones de Totonicapan) and other indigenous groups plan to block multiple roads, borders, and ports in protest across Guatemala beginning 05:30 Oct. 2 and ending at an unspecified time. The purpose of the action is to demand the resignation of the country's Attorney General and Chief of the Public Ministry (MP), Maria Consuelo Porras Argueta, Head of the Special Prosecutor's Office against Impunity (FECI), Rafael Curruchiche, and other judicial and legal officials whom organizer allege violated Guatemalan democracy by raiding the headquarters of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) on Sept. 29. Ingenious leaders have stated that during the blockade, they plan to mobilize at the MP headquarters in Guatemala City and other locations nationwide.

Unless averted, the blockades will severely disrupt road transport services, border crossings, and ports nationwide. Authorities will almost certainly deploy an increased security presence near any protester-erected roadblocks. While organizers assert the blockades will be peaceful, clashes between activists and security forces cannot be ruled out, especially if police attempt to remove blockades or forcibly disperse protesters.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Leave the area at the first sign of confrontation between activists and security forces. Monitor local news outlets for road status information before starting journeys. Do not attempt to cross protesters erected blockades; wait for security forces to dismantle them before proceeding.