Mario Guevara Remains In Custody More Than 40 Hours After Protest Arrest

By Nick Valencia

The family of acclaimed Spanish-language journalist Mario Guevara said he remains in custody and has yet to make his initial court appearance—more than 40 hours after his arrest during a protest in DeKalb County, Georgia.

Guevara was among eight people taken into custody on Saturday afternoon during the “No Kings” demonstration in metro Atlanta. He’s been behind bars ever since.

According to his family, the earliest he may see a judge is Tuesday.

An independent journalist, known for his on-the-ground reporting and large Spanish-speaking audience, Guevara faces two misdemeanor charges: obstruction of a law enforcement officer and being a pedestrian in the roadway. He was livestreaming the protest when officers detained him. His phone was taken mid-broadcast and the footage continued rolling as riot police placed him in handcuffs.

The DeKalb County Police Department later issued a statement claiming protesters were given multiple warnings to stay off the road and that arrests were made only after those warnings were ignored.

Those who were there tell a different story.

Guevara’s attorney has declined to comment directly. But the law firm representing him, Díaz & Gaeta, issued a statement saying it was “taking all measures to defend Mr. Guevara and protect freedom of speech as provided by the First Amendment.”