BELOMPAN, Belize (CMC) — Belize Prime Minister John Briceño says he has instructed the country’s Police Commissioner, Dr Richard Rosado, to proceed on 45 days’ leave “in the first instance” as the controversy over the “abduction” of a Belizean and his surrender to Guatemalan authorities took yet another turn.

Last week, Briceño had asked his Home Affairs Minister, Kareem Musa, to provide an update over the controversial “abduction” of Ryan Joseph Budna.

On August 24, the Belize Police Department said it had officially launched an investigation into an incident involving Budna, which occurred on August 22.

“The Policia National Civil (PNC) of Guatemala has confirmed that Mr Ryan Joseph Budna is in their custody pursuant to an arrest warrant; however, they have not disclosed the details surrounding his apprehension,” the police said, adding that its own investigation was initiated based on an official report filed by a witness to the event.

“The witness reported observing a confrontation involving several individuals, one of whom matched the description of Mr Budna, who was subsequently placed into a dark-coloured SUV bearing a Belize City license plate,” the police added.

But a government statement said that Briceño had received the police report from Musa and “found the report to be incomplete and, therefore, unsatisfactory”.

“In the circumstances, the prime minister has directed that Dr Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police, proceed on a leave of absence for forty-five (45) days in the first instance. This leave is to commence with immediate effect,” the statement said.

It said that Rosado’s leave, “in the context of the high level of public interest in this matter, as well as the grave allegations made against the police department and the incomplete investigative report, is proper and proportionate at this time”.

The government said that Deputy Commissioner of Police Bart Jones will be appointed as acting commissioner of police for the period of Commissioner Rosado’s absence.

“Both Rosado and Jones have assured the minister of home affairs…of their cooperation, ensuring that all police department operations flow seamlessly during this period,” the statement added.

It said that Prime Minister Briceño has also confirmed that as of September 7, police officer Barrington Flowers “has been placed on interdiction, based upon information gathered in the preliminary investigative report”.

The statement said that the acting commissioner of police has recommended that Deputy Commissioner of Police, Suzette Anderson, be immediately assigned the responsibility to complete the police investigation into the Budna matter, with the goal of submitting a complete report by the end of this month.

“Once the investigative report is properly prepared and submitted, the prime minister, along with the cabinet, will act swiftly on its recommendations,” it said.

Prime Minister Briceño said that the decisions taken “are a result of public information and the preliminary report regarding the Budna matter”.

“Commissioner Rosado is acknowledged for his readiness to commence on a leave of absence to allow the Budna investigation to be completed free from any suggestion of conflicts or influence,” Prime Minister Briceño said, adding, “The rule of law and the reputation of the police department are of foremost consideration.”

Several attorneys have now indicated a willingness to fight for Budna’s constitutional rights, with attorney Arthur Saldivar telling reporters last week, “We all have a right to liberty and freedom of movement.”

“So, where Mr Budna was forcibly detained. In fact, prior to his detention, he was severely beaten and then spirited away. That is a crime — in fact, not a crime, but a series of crimes. We saw the video. Belize has seen the video that clearly shows that, in respect of the police department, there can be no ambiguity as to the involvement of the police.

“We saw one police officer who, by his omission to act, implicated the department in what occurred with Mr Budna. So the police department is responsible for a Belizean citizen being spirited away in an illegal and extrajudicial manner to a country that claims us,” Saldivar said, adding that his colleagues have prepared legal documents to be filed before a court of law.

Attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley said that while he is no fan of Budna, there are questions regarding his removal from the country that need to be answered.