Opposition protest terrorism charge against Haslington woman

Thursday the Opposition turned up at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court Picketing in front of the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court in support of Robin Simon who was arrested and charged for allegations of acts of terrorism by the police in relation to incidents at Mon Repos on 28th June 2022.

Among the persons were Leader, People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Aubrey Norton and Working People’s Alliance executive member, Dr. David Hinds.

44-year-old Simon, of Haslington, East Coast Demerara, was arrested Monday, March 6 and charged Thursday with the offence of Acts of Terrorism, contrary to Section 109 (A) (1) (b) (ii) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Chapter 8:01. She was not required to plea and bail was granted at   $250,000 with the condition that she lodged her passport and report every fortnight at Cove and John Police Station.

The matter was postponed to 28^th 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 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. “