WIN-called protest descends into violence

A protest outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday, while United States (US)-sanctioned and indicted Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed was appearing in court, descended into violence after demonstrators pushed down police barricades, prompting ranks to discharge tear gas and pellets in an attempt to disperse the crowd and regain control of the situation.

As the crowd dispersed, several protesters ran in the direction of Stabroek Market and moments later, a small fire was seen at the front of the market, adding to the tension in the area.

The demonstration was called by relatives of the Mohameds and some members of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) parliamentary team. However, events on the ground took a different turn, with reports of calls for violence circulating on social media ahead of the protest. One social media page supportive of WIN reportedly went as far as calling for Georgetown to be burnt, raising concerns about the nature of the messages being circulated and the potential for unrest.

A live video streamed from outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts by one protestor also captured individuals discussing how to make Channa bombs.

Violence, destruction of property, threats

The developments came despite an earlier warning from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), which had cautioned members of the public against violence, destruction of property, threats against individuals and the deliberate obstruction of public roads.

In a statement issued before the protest, the Force said it recognised and respected the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of expression and peaceful picketing. However, it stressed that those rights must be exercised within the confines of the law and do not extend to violence, intimidation, sabotage or other unlawful conduct that could endanger public safety. The GPF warned that persons found engaging in such activities would be investigated and prosecuted where sufficient evidence exists. It also reminded the public that the Public Order Act, Chapter 16:03, regulates public meetings and processions, requiring organisers of public processions to obtain the necessary permission and comply with conditions imposed under the legislation.

Terrorism charges

Of particular concern to the Force were activities intended to create widespread fear, threaten national security or disrupt services essential to the community.

The police further pointed to Section 309A of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01, noting that certain acts involving violence, serious destruction of property or disruption of essential services may constitute terrorism where the specific conduct and intention required by law are established. The Force said attempts, incitement and assistance in the commission of such acts could also attract criminal liability where the necessary legal elements of an offence are established.

It made clear that terrorism charges would be pursued where investigations revealed evidence satisfying the legal requirements of such offences.

Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond made a direct appeal to Guyanese to remain calm, warning that messages encouraging unrest and disorder had been circulating following Mohamed’s remand.

Walrond acknowledged that citizens had the constitutional right to express their views and protest peacefully, but said there was a clear distinction between peaceful demonstrations and acts involving violence, incitement, destruction of property, intimidation or attacks on other citizens.

She pointed out that Mohamed’s matter was before the courts and that his attorneys had the right to pursue the legal remedies available to him.

The Minister urged citizens not to allow themselves to be encouraged or used to engage in violence or criminal conduct, regardless of their political affiliations or differences. “Whatever our political differences, we are all Guyanese,” Walrond said, stressing that citizens shared a responsibility to protect the country’s peace, safety and stability.

She assured that the security services would continue to protect the public and maintain law and order while respecting the right of citizens to assemble and protest peacefully.