GUATEMALA CITY
Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei has condemned the violence at a pro-democracy demonstration in Malacatan, where one person died and two more were injured.
The incident marks the start of a third week of demonstrations against Attorney General Consuelo Porras, who protesters accuse of attempting to undermine a popular vote for progressive President-elect Bernardo Arévalo. Videos from Malacatan show civilians and police officers fleeing as bursts of gunfire are heard.
The National Police announced the arrest of 11 people, and the Interior Department coordinated a search for the vehicles involved and found three wounded people. Arévalo took to social media to condemn the violence, demanding that authorities ensure the safety of those who peacefully demonstrate and guarantee that this act does not go unpunished.
Guatemalan President Porras has called for the clearance of roadblocks and the resignation of Interior Secretary Napoleón Barrientos, following 15 days of protests and roadblocks. Supporters in Guatemala City have called for violence against demonstrators blocking roads, while social media videos show civilians carrying machetes attacking protestors at three roadblocks in El Asintal, Retalhuleu.
Porras has urged the government to sack Interior Secretary Barrientos for failing to do so. Demonstrators argue that Porras mounted an undemocratic challenge against Arévalo, his left-wing Seed Movement party, and electoral authorities, calling for their resignation.
