Guyana Must Stand Against Abuse of Power, Detention of Leader of Opposition

Dear Editor,

Guyana, there is absolutely no justification, in my view, for the Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed, to be remanded to Lusignan Prison and reportedly placed in solitary confinement. His detention raises serious questions about the treatment of the country’s Opposition Leader, the conduct of the Guyana Police Force and the government’s use of state institutions against political opponents.

The evidence that the PPP government allegedly withheld from the public raises grave concerns about the actions of Guyana Police Force Special Branch Head Prem Narine. It is alleged that Narine discharged live ammunition into the vehicle of the Leader of the Opposition, with the intention of causing bodily harm. These allegations demand an independent and transparent investigation.

Of even greater concern is that Narine is reportedly the chief witness in the government’s extradition case involving Mohamed, the very person at the centre of the alleged shooting incident. Given the seriousness of these allegations, Narine should have been interdicted from duty pending an independent investigation and appropriate legal action, if the evidence warrants it.

The Irfaan Ali-led government must not be allowed to use the resources of the State to intimidate, persecute or silence the Leader of the Opposition. Guyana must intervene and demand an end to what many see as an abuse of power and the growing use of the Guyana Police Force against political opposition.

Azruddin Mohamed has not been convicted of any crime in Guyana. The sharing of CCTV footage with the public to demonstrate his account of events and challenge allegations of wrongdoing should not, in itself, be treated as proof of criminal conduct. The public has a right to know the truth, and allegations involving the discharge of live ammunition by a senior police official must not be ignored.

The government must answer serious questions about its handling of this matter. It cannot demand accountability from others while appearing unwilling to address allegations against those serving within its own institutions. The public deserves transparency, equal treatment under the law and an assurance that no one is above accountability.

Guyana, the time has come to stand against the abuse of power and the continued violation of the constitutional rights of citizens. We cannot remain silent while the country’s political and law enforcement institutions become embroiled in allegations of political persecution. The conduct of the Irfaan Ali government, including questions surrounding the President’s own financial affairs and public record, must also be open to public scrutiny.

I therefore call on Guyanese to assemble peacefully outside Lusignan Prison tomorrow and demand the release of Azruddin Mohamed. Let the public make its voice heard through peaceful protest and lawful civic action. We must stand united in demanding due process, accountability and respect for the constitutional rights of the Leader of the Opposition.

Silence in the face of abuse only emboldens those who wield power. Guyana belongs to all its citizens, not the government of the day. We must act now to defend our democracy, protect our institutions and ensure that justice is applied equally, regardless of political affiliation or position.

Yours truly,
Egland Gomes