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Ombudsman, Lionel Arzu, has released his annual report for the period January 1s, 2019 to December 31st, 2019.

In his overview, he says that his office has recorded 102 new complaints of corruption, wrongdoing, injustice, injury or abuse that was lodged during those last 12 months. The majority of the cases were made against the police department, which is similar to previous years. His numbers indicate, however, that 2019 had the lowest number of complaints against police in the last 7 years. 37 new complaints were lodged against police last year.

The common themes of those complaints included abuse of power, police brutality - which included harm, assault, battery, and grievous bodily assault - arbitrary search and entry, neglect to act, and unlawful imprisonment.

There were 3 new applications for review under the Freedom of Information Act.

The Belize District had the most complaints. Two thirds of all complaints were made by women.