Wellington: Anti-virus software pioneer John McAfee, who is wanted by authorities in Belize in connection with the murder of his neighbour, has said that he is planning to seek for asylum in Guatemala because he fears persecution in Belize.
McAfee spoke to an international news agency in a restaurant near a high-end hotel where he is staying in Guatemala City after sneaking out of neighbouring Belize.
McAfee is wanted for questioning in connection with the killing of Gregory Viant Faull, who was shot to death at the Belize island where they both had homes in early November, stuff.co.nz reports.
“I need a safe place where I can actually speak out,” McAfee said, adding: “Now that I’m here I can speak freely. I can speak openly”.
He said that he will petition the Guatemalan government to allow him to stay.
McAfee said he feared being killed if he turns himself in for questioning in Belize.
“Belize does not have a good track record of providing safety when they ask to question you,” he said.
“I felt much more secure crossing the border into a country that had laws that were backed by the justice system,” he added.
“I am absolutely innocent,” McAfee said.
ANI
