Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed Accuses Government of Victimizing Police, Weaponizing State Forces

Georgetown, Guyana – In a forceful and detailed address, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has leveled serious accusations against the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, alleging a systematic pattern of victimization within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the broader weaponization of state institutions against political opponents .

Mr. Mohamed’s statement focused on what he described as the “weaponization” of the police force to carry out the PPP’s bidding, citing specific instances of officers being punished for merely interacting with him professionally . He highlighted the case of Superintendent Jagnandan, who he claims was transferred to the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) following a handshake during a protest in Den Amstel. The protest was in support of three citizens charged following the Barima tragedy. Mr. Mohamed maintained his interaction was limited to a greeting and a request for a peaceful demonstration.

“This is dictatorship,” Mr. Mohamed declared. He further pointed to the case of Police Constable Carl Sanmoogan, who was transferred from Region One to Moulson Creek, Region Six, after a similar handshake during a visit to Moruca. “Just days ago, Officer Braithwaite was transferred on suspicion of leaking information to me,” Mohamed added, arguing that these actions “send a dangerous message to every police officer that simply treating the leader of the opposition with professionalism can cost you your post” .

The Opposition Leader criticized what he perceives as the government’s hypocrisy, recalling the public outcry when former opposition leader Mr. Norton refused to shake President Ali’s hand. “Yet today, a police officer is being punished for doing the exact opposite, showing respect to the office of the leader of the opposition,” he stated .

Mr. Mohamed also condemned the treatment of police officers across the country, describing them as “underpaid, overworked, and often victimized.” He referenced reports of officers in Linden standing for 12 hours in the sun without proper food or breaks, contrasting this with what he called the rewarding of “rogue officers.” He specifically named the now-Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hicken, whom he accused of giving the “instruction to shoot to kill protesters in Linden in 2012,” resulting in three deaths .

“We are also receiving reports that the force intends to implement a new policy that allows for officers’ phones to be randomly searched to determine who they communicate with,” Mohamed claimed, likening this to a “page from President Ali’s playbook” . This comes amidst wider accusations from the political opposition that the Disciplined Services are being used to threaten and intimidate citizens, with APNU Member of Parliament, Dr. Terrence Campbell, stating that the presence of the Guyana Defence Force at recent protests is a clear indication of this strategy .

Mohamed also used his address to speak directly to the members of the Guyana Police Force, saying, “I see your sacrifice. I appreciate your service, and I am always standing with you” . He called for the reinstatement of Superintendent Jagnandan and urged officers to continue carrying out their duties professionally and without political instructions.

His speech comes at a time of heightened political tension in Guyana, marked by a series of confrontations between his party and the government. Recently, Mr. Mohamed had his licensed firearms seized by police, an action he described as politically motivated and part of a campaign to break him. The Guyana Defence Force also defended its decision to stop a boat carrying Mr. Mohamed and other MPs from travelling to Moruca, citing the captain’s inability to produce valid documentation, a claim Mr. Mohamed disputed .

Mr. Mohamed closed by affirming his commitment to the fight, stating: “We will not surrender, we will not retreat, and we will not give in. I have the people on my side, and I have God on my side” .