No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsLatin AmericaArmed motorcycle gangs have assassinated more than 1,100 victims in Guatemala since...

Armed motorcycle gangs have assassinated more than 1,100 victims in Guatemala since 2011

GUATEMALA CITY — At least 1,111 Guatemalans have been killed by armed motorcyclists between 2011 and the first two months of this year, according to a report by the humanitarian organization Mutual Help Group (GAM in Spanish), published on Wednesday.

The study, based on GAM’s own findings, showed an increase in these types of crimes, which authorities have attributed to sicarios, hired killers working for criminal organizations.

In 2013, the assassinations totaled 422 victims. The previous year saw 335 assassinations, and in 2011 there were 254.

In the first two months of 2014, an uptick has occurred, with 100 executions by gunmen on motorcycle, according to GAM.

The increase of these armed attacks has been sustained despite ex-president Álvaro Colom (2008-2012) passing a decree in 2009 that prohibited more than one person riding the same motorcycle.

Current President Otto Pérez Molina reformed the decree last August and restored the ability for two people to travel on the same motorcycle.

Guatemala is living in a wave of violence that leaves 17 dead every day, one of the highest rates in the world.

Trending Now

U.S. – Guatemala Security Pact Targets Crime and Helps Returning Migrants

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem signed a border security cooperation agreement with Guatemala on Thursday, which includes the use of drones and...

Prisma Dental in Costa Rica Keeps Customers Happy and Smiling

I am 81 years old and have had teeth removed, bridges, and cavities fixed several times to sustain my ability to eat and function....

Costa Rica’s Pride 2025 Closing Event Bans Minors, Sparks Outrage

Costa Rica’s Pride 2025 closing event, set for June 29 at San José’s Plaza de la Democracia, was thrown into controversy when the government...

A Costa Rica Love Story: From Rustic Cabina to Separate Dreams

My Tica wife and I have been together for over a quarter century. When we met, I was living a simple life here. Three...

2025 Gold Cup: Honduras Advances After Dramatic Shootout, Mexico Ends Goal Drought

Honduras, with a surprising and dramatic penalty shootout victory over Panama, and Mexico, with a lackluster win against Saudi Arabia, advanced Saturday to the...

Honduras Seizes $2 Million, Gold-Plated Pistols in Drug Raid

Honduran authorities struck a blow against drug cartels, seizing over $2 million in cash, war rifles, and flashy gold-plated pistols in Copán, a northwest...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica