Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) Leader and lone parliamentarian Amanza Walton-Desir has taken concerns over police conduct, the treatment of peaceful protesters and the detention of Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed directly to the United States, raising the issues during a meeting with US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole D. Theriot on Saturday.
In a statement following the meeting, Walton-Desir said she discussed what she described as the deteriorating state of law and order, alleged abuses by the Guyana Police Force and the wider implications of Mohamed’s arrest and detention.
Mohamed was arrested on October 28 and, two days later, appeared before the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court alongside Police Constable Ryan Greene. Both were charged under the Cybercrime Act in connection with the alleged unauthorised access to and disclosure of electronic data and were denied bail. They were remanded until November 24.
The case centres on surveillance footage of an October 12 incident involving a vehicle in which Mohamed was travelling and Senior Superintendent Prem Narine, head of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Branch. Police allege Greene accessed and downloaded the footage from the Government’s surveillance system and provided it to Mohamed in exchange for $800,000. Mohamed subsequently made the recording public at a news conference. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Walton-Desir said she stressed the need for the authorities to uphold constitutional protections and ensure that persons in State custody are treated humanely.
“I emphasised the importance of upholding the rule of law, respecting due process, ensuring the safety and humane treatment of all persons in State custody, and protecting the constitutional rights and fundamental freedoms of every Guyanese, regardless of political affiliation.”
She said the developments could undermine public confidence in national institutions and law enforcement, with consequences for Guyana’s political and social stability.
Walton-Desir also argued that respect for human rights and the rule of law is essential to the country’s international reputation and economic prospects.
“That stability, in turn, is critical to investor confidence, economic development and Guyana’s international standing. These are matters that affect every Guyanese and warrant the attention of our international partners.”
Her meeting with Theriot comes amid heightened political tensions following Mohamed’s remand and protests by supporters of his We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and members of civil society.
Walton-Desir said international partners must understand the concerns being raised by Guyanese, while stressing that responsibility for defending democracy ultimately rests with citizens.
“The fight for our democracy is ours, and while we cannot outsource the fight, we must ensure that the international community fully understands what is happening in our country and the concerns and perspectives of Guyanese.”
She welcomed the ambassador’s engagement and pledged to continue bringing the concerns of Guyanese to attention both locally and internationally.
