Extrajudicial killings have been a part of Guyana’s violent history for decades, and it is time for the government to address this issue and not sweep it under the rug. The country has seen an alarming number of extrajudicial killings, often at the hands of security forces and other armed groups. These killings are often linked to Guyana’s drug trafficking trade and other criminal activities, which have left many innocent citizens caught in the crossfire.
The reign of Roger Khan, who was responsible for increasing levels of narco-trafficking in and out of Guyana, contributed to one of the worst crime waves the country has ever seen. Under his leadership, the Phantom Squad was responsible for dozens of extrajudicial killings, and other death squads like the Death Squad and the Black Clothes Police were also involved in extrajudicial deaths and disappearances.
According to wikileaks, the Guyana government cannot claim ignorance.
Date:2006 February 1, 13:37 (Wednesday
19. (C) Multiple sources have expressed fears to Ambassador that not only has Khan penetrated almost every level of Guyanese government and society, but that he will exert ever greater influence over the political scene beginning with this year’s elections. Most respected commentators believe that Guyana has already become or is well on the way to being a narco-state. If Guyana is a narco-state, then Khan is its leader. Ambassador has spoken with GoG to little avail about Khan’s drug activities and unaccounted wealth. The GoG has adopted a head-in-the-sand approach to Khan and narco-trafficking in general. The GoG asks for hard evidence and pretends not to know how Khan acquires his means.
It is essential to hold the perpetrators of these extrajudicial killings accountable for their actions. Those responsible for these heinous crimes, whether they are members of security forces, members of the (then) government or criminal gangs, must face justice. If not today, then in 5yrs, or 10 years or 20yrs. There is no statute of limitations on murder.
President Irfaan Ali’s denial of the existence of extrajudicial killings during his party’s tenure from 1992 to 2015 is unacceptable. It is time for the government to take responsibility for its actions and work to address the issue of extrajudicial killings. This cannot be done by simply denying the problem; it requires a commitment to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
The people of Guyana deserve justice and accountability for the violence and human rights abuses they have suffered. The government must take a stand against extrajudicial killings and ensure that those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice. Failure to do so would be a grave injustice to the victims and a betrayal of the trust placed in the government to protect its citizens.
