Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton has come out in defence of U.S.-detained social media activist, Melissa Atwell, called “Melly Mel”, saying that she has become a victim of a vindictive Guyanese government. Norton, during a speech at a protest yesterday in Georgetown, said “Melissa’s only crime is that she exposed crime. Melissa’s only crime is that she exposed corruption”.
He called on the persons gathered there, largely opposition supporters, to recognize that there is a new dimension in the political struggle. He said that while efforts to “free Melly Mel” are amplified at home, “the fight is also in the United States”.
“…Therefore, all of you must call your families, your friends, and ask them to write the senators and congressmen in the United States to get help for Melissa. It must be pointed out that she committed no crime. In fact, all she was doing is exposing criminals. So, we need to work to have an international campaign to help Melissa Atwell,” the Opposition Leader said.
He continued, “Not all of us agree with Melissa. She has criticized me, and I never responded to her [but] when a government has to go after a young woman for a principled position, then we are in trouble as a country. All of us must stand up for principle. This is not only about an individual. Today, it’s Melissa. Tomorrow, it’s someone else.”
The Guyana Government, through Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo has not claimed responsibility for Atwell’s arrest. In fact, Jagdeo at his last press conference, expressed that his government sees Atwell as no threat, despite the Attorney General, Anil Nandlall filing a multi-million-dollar lawsuit against her.
Even as she is set to go before a Judge in June for a Master Hearing, no word on the reason for Atwell’s arrest has been publicised, either by those close to her, or by the US government. Meanwhile, speculation surrounding her illegal status in the U.S continues to mount as the cause of her being hauled in, but allegations of credit card fraud and cyberbullying also remain possible charges, sources told the Guyana Standard last week.
Norton, however, told the gathering that the government must stop “going after” its critics – both at home and abroad.
He added that “taking Melissa out” is part of the Guyana Government’s bid to “win the social media war”.
“Understand this: a new front for struggle has been opened in the world. It is called social media, and the PPP has been unhappy that they are losing the social media war. And so, they believe by taking Melissa out, they will succeed.”
The Guyanese Leader said that “silencing” Atwell will not deter critics, but will in fact, see the rise of many more.
