We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Member of Parliament Deon La Cruz was charged yesterday with threatening behaviour and assault following the allegations of domestic violence made against him.
La Cruz was arrested and taken into custody at the Acquero Police Station last Wednesday. He appeared at the Acquero Magistrate’s Court where the charges were read to him. He was released on $125,000 bail. The matter was adjourned to July 7.
Following his release, La Cruz and his wife condemned the domestic violence allegations made against him. In a Facebook live, he stated that his wife did not file a report concerning the allegations. La Cruz said that the report was made by an unidentified individual and that it was politically motivated. The couple also denied the abuse of their child.
Initially, La Cruz was arrested for allegedly assaulting his reputed wife and a four-year-old child and the political party said should the allegations be proven to be true it “will not hesitate to take the appropriate action consistent with our principles and commitment to accountability”.
While the Guyana Police Force, which announced the arrest, did not name the accused, WIN identified him as its parliamentarian for Region One, La Cruz.
The police press release said that they were investigating an alleged domestic violence incident involving a 31-year-old opposition member of parliament and his reputed wife.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim and the suspect were at their residence when an argument ensued between them, which escalated into a physical altercation.
According to a statement from the police, during the incident the suspect allegedly assaulted a four-year-old child, causing the victim to intervene.
“The suspect allegedly dealt the victim several blows and pushed her to the ground, causing her to hit her head and briefly lose consciousness,” the release said.
The victim reportedly told the police that the suspect later armed himself with a chopper and advanced towards her in a threatening manner, causing her to fear for her life and personal safety.
The woman reported the matter to the Acquero Police Station and was escorted to seek medical attention. The parliamentarian was arrested and placed in custody.
Following the announcement of the arrest, WIN, in a statement on its Team Mohamed’s page, said it was made aware that La Cruz had been taken into police custody in relation to allegations of domestic violence.
“WIN treats all allegations of violence, particularly those involving women and children, with the utmost seriousness. We condemn all forms of domestic violence and support a full, impartial, and professional investigation by the Guyana Police Force,” the party said.
The party said it remains steadfast in its belief that “there can be no justification for violence against women or children. Public office is a position of trust and carries with it a heightened responsibility to uphold the law and demonstrate respect for the dignity and safety of others.
“While the investigation is ongoing and the facts must be determined through the proper legal process, let there be no ambiguity about our values: violence has no place in our homes, our communities, or our politics. Should these allegations be substantiated, the Party will not hesitate to take the appropriate action consistent with our principles and commitment to accountability,” the party added.
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