Coalition Member of Parliament (MP), Geeta Chandan-Edmond is calling for an independent investigation into an altercation on Sunday last between police officers and a civilian at Stabroek Market.
Video footage shows the men exchanging blows before the civilian was cuffed and kicked into submission.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) subsequently issued a statement claiming that the suspect attacked the policemen “who were forced to defend themselves.”
“This led to a physical confrontation between the suspect and the police, part of which has been circulating on social media,” the force said.
Chandan-Edmond, a few minutes ago released a statement. She is the shadow Home Affairs Minister. Her statement is as follows:
I note with much concern, the incident which occurred on Sunday, January 3rd, 2021 at the Stabroek Market between a male Guyanese citizen and members of the Guyana Police Force.
I have reviewed the video footage of this incident and the subsequent statement by the Guyana Police Force.
It is painfully apparent that this represents another sordid display of unprofessional conduct consistent with a list of incidents of this nature that seem to be ever present since the installation of the Government of Guyana on August 2nd, 2020.
It is clear: the de-professionalization of the Guyana Police Force and the wanton disregard for the law and the rights of the citizens of Guyana by the installed government is taking its toll.
It appears, some rogue members of the Guyana Police Force are taking dangerous signals from the political directorate and this is resulting in complete disinterest in the human rights of citizens.
I reiterate earlier calls for the Minister of Home Affairs to effectively consult with the Police Commissioner and express the revulsion felt by all Guyanese on the direction the Guyana Police Force is heading.
I call on the Commissioner of Police to desist from eroding the professional ethos of the men and women firmly established by the APNU+AFC government.
I call on the Guyana Police Force to invite an independent assessment of this incident and allow the facts to guide consequences, wherever they may fall.
I continue to be appalled and revolted by the complete washing away of any semblance of consequences for law men and women who manifest little regard for the laws of this country. No one is above the law and the uniformed ranks are not exempted from respecting the law.
