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Georgetown, Guyana – A legal battle looms between human rights activist Melissa Atwell and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) following allegations of unlawful entry and constitutional rights violations during a recent search of the home of Atwell’s mother, Debbie Tyson, and grandmother, Josephine Tyson, in Eccles, East Bank Demerara.
In a letter dated September 19, 2024, attorneys representing the Tyson family – Roysdale Forde S.C., Nigel Hughes, Joseph Harmon, Eusi Anderson, Dr. Dexter Todd, Narissa Leander, Iyanna Butts, and Darren Wade – laid out accusations of trespass and arbitrary search against the police. The lawyers assert that, on September 17, 2024, ranks of the GPF conducted an unauthorized search of the residence without a warrant or valid legal basis. The attorneys are calling this action a direct violation of the family’s constitutional right to privacy, as enshrined in Article 143 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, which protects citizens from arbitrary entry and search.
Atwell, who has been outspoken on social media about corruption within the Guyana government and the police force, is reportedly the target of this alleged intimidation tactic. The search, according to her legal representatives, is seen as an effort to silence her criticism. Atwell’s activism has drawn attention for highlighting alleged corruption and misconduct among government officials and law enforcement.
The attorneys also raised concerns about the conduct of the police during the search. According to their statement, the officers did not wear body cameras, nor did they display any identifying signs, a breach of standard procedures. Despite this, the lawyers claim that the search was recorded, raising further questions about the transparency and legality of the operation.
The legal team is demanding a full explanation from the police for the search, including the factual basis for it, and is requesting access to the video footage taken during the incident. Failure to provide this information, they warn, will result in legal action against the state.
In response to these allegations, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo addressed the issue during his weekly press conference on Thursday. Jagdeo dismissed accusations of political victimization, asserting that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) does not engage in targeting social media activists. The Vice President used the opportunity to highlight the government’s track record on social issues, including recent pension increases and health initiatives aimed at improving women’s healthcare.
“We don’t attack social media influencers,” Jagdeo said, denying any political motivation behind the search. He further emphasized that the PPP’s popularity rests on its work “on the ground,” claiming that the party prioritizes the needs of the people over the opinions of online critics.
Jagdeo downplayed Atwell’s significance, stating, “I don’t like to comment on the fringes because you just give them more attention…Any social influencer does not pose a threat to the PPP. Our support is based on our work on the ground, and we prioritize the interests of the people.”
While the government appears to distance itself from the incident, Atwell’s legal team continues to build its case against the police. They maintain that this search constitutes a breach of both Article 143, which guarantees the right to protection against arbitrary search and entry, and Article 141, which provides protection against inhumane or degrading treatment.
Atwell’s case has sparked a wider discussion in Guyana about the treatment of activists and the potential use of law enforcement to intimidate political dissenters. Many are waiting to see how this legal confrontation unfolds and whether it will lead to broader reforms in the handling of activist-led criticism against the government.
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