Belize crackdown on gang-related killings leads to dozens of arrests

State of emergency imposes curfew on young people and gives police powers to detain suspects for up to 30 days

A controversial state of emergency in Belize to crack down on a surge of gang-related murders and other violent crimes has led to the arrest of nearly a hundred people.

The order, announced on Tuesday, gives police the power to search homes without a warrant and detain suspects for up to 90 days. Originally implemented for 30 days, the government announced on Friday that it was increasing its length to maximise its effectiveness.