Veteran trade unionist and Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) General Secretary Lincoln Lewis has warned that the detention of Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and members of his staff raises serious concerns about civil liberties, freedom of movement and respect for the rule of law under the government of President Irfaan Ali.
In an opinion piece published in Village Voice News under its Eye on Guyana column, Lewis argued that the circumstances surrounding Mohamed’s detention reflect a troubling situation in which citizens may increasingly fear the consequences of disagreeing with those in political authority.
Lewis said the controversy should not be viewed as an isolated dispute involving Mohamed, but as a matter with implications for every Guyanese, particularly when allegations of state overreach, police conduct and the protection of constitutional rights arise.
The GTUC general secretary’s criticism comes amid renewed public debate over the conduct of the Guyana Police Force and the treatment of opposition figures under the Ali administration. Lewis contended that the rights to dissent, freedom of movement and access to judicial redress must be protected regardless of a citizen’s political affiliation, financial resources or social standing.
The latest controversy followed an October 12 incident outside the Barr Street, Kitty, residence of Senior Superintendent of Police Prem Narine, head of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Branch.
Mohamed, his driver Eugene Thorne and videographer Mario Mohamed were detained following an alleged confrontation involving Narine and a vehicle carrying the three men. The incident reportedly involved gunfire, with Narine stating that he heard what appeared to be a gunshot and fired several rounds in the direction of the vehicle.
The three men subsequently appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and attempting to obstruct the course of justice. They were granted bail totalling $750,000.
Mohamed has denied knowledge of the firearm reportedly found in the vehicle and alleged that it had been planted. That allegation has not been established in court, and the criminal proceedings remain subject to judicial determination.
Against this background, Lewis argued that the incident raises questions about whether an elected Opposition Leader can carry out his responsibilities without unwarranted interference with his movement and activities.
“This issue is not about Mohamed alone. It is about all of us, our rights and respect for the rule of law.”
Lewis said the alleged infringements and the broader concerns surrounding the treatment of political dissent are occurring under the Irfaan Ali administration, placing responsibility on the government to ensure that state institutions operate within the law and respect the rights of all citizens.
He warned that when citizens perceive that law enforcement powers can be used in ways that intimidate or discourage opposition, the consequences extend beyond the individuals directly involved. Ordinary people who lack the financial means or political connections to challenge state action through the courts could be particularly vulnerable.
Lewis also recalled Mohamed’s arrests on September 3, which he described as further evidence of what he considers a troubling pattern. His argument is that repeated controversies involving an opposition figure warrant scrutiny of the conduct of state authorities and the safeguards available to protect citizens from unlawful treatment.
The writer further questioned the implications for democratic representation when the movement of an elected constitutional office holder becomes the subject of a police confrontation. Mohamed’s We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party secured 16 seats in the 65-member National Assembly at the September 2025 General and Regional elections, after which he became Opposition Leader.
Lewis maintained that political disagreement must not be treated as an offence and that the government’s obligation to uphold the rule of law extends to critics, political opponents and citizens who do not support the governing PPP/C.
His commentary also challenged the notion that political cooperation requires the Opposition to accept government decisions without meaningful scrutiny. He argued that cooperation must be grounded in accountability, transparency, respect for democratic institutions and the protection of fundamental rights.
The GTUC general secretary urged Guyanese to speak out against alleged violations regardless of whom they affect, warning that silence could leave others exposed to similar treatment.
“The violation of anyone’s rights is a threat to all.”
Lewis’ intervention adds to the public debate over civil liberties and state accountability under the Ali administration. While his article presents a critical assessment of the government’s record, the specific allegations arising from the October 12 incident remain matters for investigation and judicial determination.
The question, Lewis argues, is whether the Ali administration will uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all Guyanese—or allow growing concerns over state conduct and political dissent to further erode public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.
