The Institute For Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD) condemns the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) government’s arrest of political activist Mr. Malcolm Harripaul for criticising the government’s discriminatory policy and anti-democratic principles.
In a statement the IFAAD says it is deeply concerned by the recent development by and condemns the move which they see as an attack on free speech and a violation of Harripaul’s human rights.
Harripaul was arrested shortly after his criticism of the government which the organisation sees as a move by the government as a blatant attempt to intimidate and silence political activists who seek to hold the government accountable for its actions.
IFAAD says the organisation recognises criticism as an essential component of a thriving democracy, and it is deeply concerning that the PPP government has chosen to respond to Harripaul’s criticism with such heavy-handed tactics. To this end the institute is calling on the government to immediately release Harripaul and respect the rights of all citizens to express their opinions freely and without fear of retaliation.
The body further urge the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with political activists and civil society organisations to address concerns about the discriminatory policy and anti-democratic principles. It is only through such engagement that the government can demonstrate its commitment to upholding human rights and democratic values, IFAAD states.
Harripaul has used his page to highlight the fact African Guyanese dominate in the Armed Forces and alluded to disparaging remarks made about the military men and women in uniform allegedly by East Indians. This is reportedly felt have influenced the government going after him.
Harripaul’s arrest comes at a time when government is hosting the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). Acting President ret’d Brigadier Mark Phillips told the delegation, headed by (ACHR President, Commissioner Margarette May Macaulay, the government does not carry out any act of discrimination and respects the rights of minorities and majorities in the society per the Constitution of Guyana. This could not be further from the truth.
