Prison Escape Prompts ‘State of Alarm’ Decree
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Guatemalan President Alfonso Portillo has issued a 30-day “state of alarm” decree giving security forces extra powers to stop, search and detain suspects following a massive weekend prison escape, a presidential aide said.
Four constitutional articles have been suspended in a bid to facilitate the capture of more than 60 convicts still on the run after escaping from a maximum-security prison Sunday, presidential secretary Luis Mijangos said.
The state of alarm, which took effect Monday night, allows detention for up to 30 days without trial or arrest warrant. The decree requires ratification by Congress.
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