In its continuing effort to crack down on drugs, the government of Guatemala has suspended some of its citizen’s rights under the country’s constitution in several areas alongs its border with Mexico in conjunction with a law enforcement effort aimed at tackling their drug problem.
The two week order allows expanded search powers for the authorities and restricts the rights of local citizens to carry firearms, congregate for protest and hold meetings.
There was also a sobering warning to local media “to not incite rebellion because on previous occasions radio stations have urged people to resist the destruction of drug crops.”
Freedom of congregation, freedom to dissent, freedom of the press and the freedom to carry a firearm are all in direct opposition to the effort against drugs according to the Guatemalan government.
Now, I am not sure about you guys, but I am kind of hoping this sort of government behaviour doesn’t spread. This seems like a very slippery slope indeed.
What was that famous quote?
“Those who would give up freedom for security deserve a drug problem” …or something like that.