44-year-old Robin Nadata Simon, of Haslington, East Coast Demerara, who was arrested on Monday, March 6 was today charged with the offence of Acts of Terrorism, contrary to Section 109 (A) (1) (b) (ii) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Chapter 8:01.
Simon, a housewife, appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate Court 2 where the charge was read to her. She was not required to plea and bail was granted in the sum of $250,000 with condition that she lodged her passport and report every fortnight at Cove and John Police Station.
The matter was postponed to 28th March 2023 for a report.
The charge is related to the incident of Mon Repos last June June 28 where a protest over the alleged killing of Quindon Bacchus by the police went awry. During the protest persons allegedly robbed and beat persons at the Mon Repos market, damaging vehicles, and destroying stalls.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo last Friday, at a press conference said the charge of terrorism was meant to send a message.
The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) is however contending the charge is misplaced. According to the party, in a recent statement, the Criminal (Offence) Act is a wicked piece of legislation created by the late former Minister of Home Affairs Ronald Gajraj, who the party deemed “a man who masterminded phantom squads and extra-judicial killings.”
The party has accused the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government of “now maliciously using the anti-terrorism law to deal with alleged acts of larceny and hooliganism. “