By Breaking Belize News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño says his government has not yet decided whether it will challenge a landmark Court of Appeal ruling that declared two states of emergency imposed in Belize City in 2020 unconstitutional.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Briceño said he was still awaiting advice from the Attorney General before determining the government’s next course of action.
“I have not heard yet from the Attorney General,” Briceño said, indicating that he expects to receive an update on the matter by Tuesday.
The Prime Minister’s comments come nearly seven weeks after the Court of Appeal delivered its September 3 judgment, striking down emergency proclamations issued during the height of gang-related violence in Southside Belize City.
According to 7 News’ reporting on the judgment, the appellate court ruled that the emergency declarations and mass detentions carried out under them violated constitutional protections.
The ruling represents a significant legal setback for the use of emergency powers as a crime-fighting strategy, raising questions about the circumstances under which future governments can impose similar measures.
Belize has repeatedly relied on states of emergency to detain suspected gang members without immediately pursuing ordinary criminal charges, arguing that extraordinary measures are necessary to address escalating violence.
However, critics have maintained that such operations undermine fundamental constitutional rights and expose individuals to detention without sufficient judicial safeguards.
Briceño did not indicate whether the government intends to seek further review before the Caribbean Court of Justice, leaving the future of any legal challenge uncertain.
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