Attorney-at-law, Tamieka Clarke was allegedly arrested this morning for advising her client to exercise the right to silence during an interview at the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). The Guyana Bar Association has since condemned the detention, labelling it a blow to democracy.
“From all indications, this arrest was prompted by the Attorney-at-Law’s advice to a client to exercise his constitutional right to remain silent and follows a threat made to the Attorney-at-Law earlier this week that she would be arrested if her client does not give a Statement to the Police on a matter they are investigating. The Bar Association unreservedly and unequivocally condemns the actions of the Guyana Police Force. Such action is disturbing, perverse, unlawful, oppressive and wholly unacceptable,” the body said earlier today.
It is calling on the Commissioner of Police (acting) Clifton Hicken to: forthwith issue an apology to Clarke, compensate her for her unlawful imprisonment, and launch a full investigation.
“The Bar Association inclusive of its Criminal Bar Committee does not take this matter lightly and will take all necessary steps to ensure that our members can exercise their professional duties without intimidation and that the Rule of Law is upheld,” the body noted.
Guyana Standard understands that through the intervention of Counsel, Clarke has since been released at the behest of the Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall. The AG said that he has apologised to Clarke for the “unfortunate incident”.
