Guatemala Purges National Police
The Guatemalan Government Ministry new authorities` announcement about the process to purge the National Civil Police (PNC) was the most outstanding topic during the week.

This demand was the highlight of the week after resignation of Government Minister Carlos Vielmann and his main commands, proving the society sees the police corps as one of the most seriously damaged and corrupt institutions.

New Government Minister Adela Torrebiarte, said the purge is one of her priorities, and dismissed 19 advisors, the most of whom were army members that had been appointed by PNC former Director Erwin Sperisen.

Those military agents occupied key posts within the PNC, as armament control, internal affairs and inspection, and the personnel office.

Criminal Investigation Department new head, Captain Alexander Gomez said he will dismiss 60 percent of the members of that division, which was involved in the recent assassination of four Salvadorians.

Torrebiarte said the following step would be to conclude immediately the dismissal of between 200 and 250 agents of the PNC, which has been bogged down for four years, due to the legal appeals presented by police officers.