01/06/2026
I associate myself with this message!!!
STATEMENT BY THE HON. HUGO PATT - UDP DEPUTY LEADER
Yesterday, the former chairman of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Mr. Alberto August, a well known and outspoken critic of corruption and government misconduct, was deprived of several of his rights, in a vindictive act, carried out by state authorities. Mr August was detained and taken into custody by the elements of the San Ignacio Police Department, and has since been incarcerated without formally being charged. The manner in which his detention was carried out and the timing can only be perceived as political victimization, oppression against free speech and a blatant abuse of ministerial authority.
Today, Belizeans should be deeply concerned, not because of a social media post, but rather that a citizen of this country has been politically imprisoned after criticizing a government minister. Whether one agrees with Alberto August’s comments or not is entirely beside the point. In a free and democratic Belize, citizens have ever right enshrined in our constitutional to express his/her opinions, criticize public officials, question government’s actions, and engage in political commentary without fear of intimidation, detention, or retaliation. With being elected to public office, comes a high level of public scrutiny.
The reports surrounding Mr. August’s detention raise troubling questions about the use of state power against political opponents and government critics. At a time when families across Belize are increasingly concerned about crime and public safety, law enforcement resources must remain focused on protecting communities, investigating many unsolved murders, and ensuring justice for victims. Instead, there is growing perception that political speech is being treated as a criminal matter.
Belizeans have every right to be concerned by the implications of this case. If criticism of an elected official becomes grounds for detention today, what protections remain for ordinary citizens tomorrow? The Government must understand that democracy is not strengthened by silencing critics. Democracy is strengthened by respecting dissent, protecting constitutional freedoms, and demonstrating tolerance for opposing views.
Equally troubling is the appearance of selective treatment. While strong public statements, threats, and inflammatory language have reportedly been exchanged by multiple individuals in this matter, the full weight of state authority appears to have been directed at one person. The law must apply equally to all, regardless of political affiliation, status, or position.
As the United States of America (USA) makes strides in fighting for democracy and freedom in countries like Venezuela and Cuba, it is sad to see the Government of Belize take such retrograde step against free speech, thereby, threatening our fragile democracy. I therefore call on the United States of America, the Organization of American States, CARICOM, the Commonwealth Secretariat and other international organizations committed to safeguarding human right, transparent and democratic governance, to closely monitor this matter that can only be classified as political incarceration.
On behalf of my constituents and all Belizeans who value freedom, fairness, and the rule of law, I call for the immediate release of Alberto August. The people of Belize deserve a full and transparent explanation as to how and why this situation was allowed to occur.
Belizeans must never be made to feel that expressing an opinion, criticizing those in power, or engaging in political debate could result in detention or intimidation by the State. The protection of constitutional freedoms is not optional. It is a fundamental obligation of any democratic government.
We further call on the Government of Belize to desist from any actions that create the perception that state institutions are being weaponized to punish political opponents, silence criticism, or intimidate citizens.
Belize belongs to all Belizeans. No minister, no government, and no political party is above public scrutiny. The rights guaranteed to us under our Constitution are not privileges granted by those who hold office. They are fundamental principles that safeguard our freedoms against all oppressive actors whether acting on behalf of the state or politically elected officials.
We therefore call on the authorities to act transparently, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that constitutional rights are protected without fear or favour. We also call on the Prime Minister to address this issue swiftly.
A confident government does not fear criticism. A democratic government does not silence dissent. And a responsible government does not allow the machinery of the State to be used in ways that undermine public confidence in our institutions.
Instead of actions that deepens public mistrust in the Police Department, I call on the government to place all hands on deck within the Police Department toward solving the senseless murder of Dr. Naum Bonilla and the growing wave of violent crimes that continue to plague our society and threaten the safety and peace of Belizean families. The people of Belize deserves nothing less.
END
