Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) leader and lone Member of Parliament Amanza Walton-Desir has joined a growing chorus calling for an independent investigation into the disputed shooting incident involving Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, arguing that conflicting accounts of the confrontation and allegations of police misconduct demand scrutiny beyond an internal police inquiry.
In a public statement, Walton-Desir said Mohamed’s arrest and detention, along with those of two members of his staff, raised serious questions about the exercise of police powers and the need for equal treatment under the law.
She maintained that criticism of Mohamed’s decision to be in the vicinity of the home of a witness in his United States extradition proceedings should not prevent scrutiny of the police response.
“Defending Azruddin Mohamed’s right to lawful treatment does not mean endorsing his actions. Equally, disapproving of his actions does not require us to accept the police account without scrutiny or excuse police misconduct.”
The incident occurred near the Kitty, Georgetown, residence of Senior Superintendent Prem Narine, head of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Branch. Narine is a witness in the US extradition proceedings involving Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed.
Police have alleged that a firearm and ammunition were found in connection with the incident. Mohamed has denied knowing about the weapon and alleged that it was planted after his arrest. Allegations of assault and improper use of force have also been raised, leaving competing accounts of the confrontation to be examined through the relevant investigative and judicial processes.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has advised that charges be brought against Mohamed and the two men who accompanied him. Walton-Desir said that decision must not be treated as resolving the separate allegations concerning police conduct.
“That decision does not dispose of the grave allegations concerning police conduct, including assault and the planting of a firearm.”
She argued that the Guyana Police Force should not investigate the matter on its own, citing Narine’s senior position, his direct participation in the disputed incident and his prior involvement with Mohamed.
Walton-Desir also pointed to wider concerns about accountability within the Force’s senior leadership, including the disciplinary findings and dismissal of former Assistant Commissioner Calvin Brutus, the criminal charges brought against him, and the investigation into allegations involving Deputy Commissioner Fizal Karimbaksh. She stressed that each matter must be determined through its own legal process and does not establish what occurred in Mohamed’s case.
Her call comes amid demands for greater transparency over the shooting, the reported recovery of the firearm and the actions of the officers involved.
Walton-Desir urged investigators to establish who searched the vehicle, when the searches occurred, who had access to it and how the firearm was handled before and after it was reportedly found. She also called for the preservation of recordings, police communications, search records and forensic evidence.
She further criticised a Government statement issued on October 13, which referred to the two men accompanying Mohamed as his “henchmen” and described its account as “uncontroverted facts” while acknowledging that investigations were ongoing.
“It cannot credibly insist that the law be allowed to take its course while using its own platform to prejudge people under investigation,” she said.
Walton-Desir warned that public confidence in law enforcement depends on transparent and impartial investigations, adding that perceptions of political interference in state institutions could undermine national stability and investor confidence.
“Public confidence cannot simply be demanded by the Guyana Police Force. It must be earned through transparency, accountability, professionalism and independent scrutiny,” she said.
She called for state institutions to serve all Guyanese impartially, regardless of political affiliation or personal grievances.
