The United Democratic Party (UDP) is intensifying its call for an independent investigation into the controversial Joseph Budna case, which has sparked widespread concern over human rights violations in Belize. Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton has condemned the alleged beating, kidnapping, and subsequent handover of Budna to what she describes as ‘hostile territory,’ emphasizing that the issue transcends Budna’s personal history. Instead, she argues, it is about safeguarding the fundamental rights of Belizean citizens against potential government overreach. Taegar-Panton has accused the Briceno administration of deliberately avoiding accountability, suggesting that the government is relying on rising utility costs to divert public attention from the case. She has firmly stated that the UDP stands for the rule of law and insists that an independent probe is essential to uncover the truth. The opposition leader also clarified that her stance is not in defense of Budna’s alleged past actions but rather a broader call to protect citizens’ rights. As public pressure mounts, the question remains whether the government will heed these demands and initiate a formal investigation.