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The recent charges brought against over ten Guyanese citizens under the anti-terrorism provision in the Criminal Law (Offences) Act has been met with fierce opposition by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). The PNCR has vehemently rejected the government’s use of this law, which was introduced in 2002 by Ronald Gajraj, the then Minister of Home Affairs, and is seen as a wicked piece of legislation.
The PPP government has been accused of using this law to deal with alleged acts of larceny and hooliganism, which is seen as an attempt to intimidate and scare citizens from exercising their constitutional freedoms of association and peaceful demonstration. This has been described as state terrorism in itself by the PNCR, which believes that this is a senseless and depraved approach to crime-fighting.
“The government’s use of the so-called anti-terrorism legislation is excessive, needless, and counter-productive,” said a spokesperson for the PNCR. “It violates international conventions, undermines human rights and democracy, and is likely to create more political instability in the country. The government must come to its senses and drop all such charges immediately.”
The PNCR has also called for the police force to be depoliticized, professionalized, and well-equipped to deal with crimes in the country. “We do not condone criminal activity, but we will continue to defend the human and constitutional rights of all Guyanese,” added the spokesperson.
The charges have been met with outrage from the citizens of Guyana, who believe that the government is abusing its power and infringing on their rights. “I am outraged that the government is using this law to silence us and prevent us from exercising our rights,” said one citizen. “This is a clear case of the government trying to intimidate and scare us into submission.”
Another citizen added, “The charges are baseless and unfounded. It is a shame that the government is resorting to such tactics to deal with crime in the country.”
The PNCR has vowed to continue to fight against the use of the anti-terrorism law to bring charges against citizens of Guyana. The organization believes that the law is a relic of the past and has no place in a democratic society.
