The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have called for an independent investigation into the death of 16-year-old Altaf King, who died following an incident in Corriverton this evening.
A video circulating on social media shows the child with obvious injuries as blood was seen streaming from his ears while he was lying on the ground. Two police officers were later seen lifting him up, one holding his hands and the other his feet, and roughly placing him into the back of a police vehicle. A large pool of blood was seen on the roadway.
In a statement, the opposition parties extended condolences to King’s family, friends and the wider Corriverton community and said they were “profoundly shocked and saddened” by the teenager’s death.
The PNCR/APNU said it was concerned by reports alleging that King, of Little Africa, Corriverton, was being pursued by ranks attached to the Springlands Police Station while riding a motorcycle when the collision occurred.
The parties also expressed concern over allegations that the teenager was left bleeding at the scene without receiving prompt assistance.
Describing the allegations as serious, the PNCR/APNU said they require an “urgent, transparent and impartial investigation.”
According to the statement, APNU regional and district representatives Anil Sugrim, Candy Ceres and Steve Bernett were with the bereaved family offering support following the incident.
The opposition also condemned any conduct by law enforcement officers that it said unnecessarily places the lives of citizens, particularly young people, at risk.
“The Guyana Police Force has a duty to protect life, and every operation must be conducted with professionalism, restraint and full regard for human life,” the statement said.
The PNCR/APNU called for an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding King’s death, the preservation of all relevant evidence, including police records, communications and any available video footage, appropriate action against anyone found to have acted negligently or unlawfully, and the public release of the findings.
The parties said they stand with King’s family in its pursuit of “truth and justice.”
The Guyana Police Force has since launched an investigation into the incident.
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