Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and two staff members remained in police custody up to press time on Wednesday, as supporters gathered outside Kitty Police Station demanding their release.
The Office of the Leader of the Opposition said Mohamed, Mario Mohamed and Eugene Thorne were in good spirits despite their detention.
Late Wednesday night, protesters outside the station chanted “Free the opposition leader”, “Free him now” and “We want justice”.
One woman invoked the biblical account of Nebuchadnezzar being made to eat grass as she warned the country’s leaders that injustice would not continue indefinitely. She also praised Mohamed’s assistance to citizens using his own resources.
Director of Political Affairs at the opposition office, Hana Mohamed, later told demonstrators that police had informed her they could not use a loudhailer. While maintaining that the protest was peaceful, she urged compliance.
“But we are going to abide by the law and not use it…tomorrow we are going [to] apply for a permit to use it,” she said.
At a press conference earlier on Wednesday, Hana Mohamed said the three men remained detained as of midday. She said the Opposition Leader remained committed to representing the people of Guyana.
The office also expressed concern about their welfare. Hana Mohamed said they had been separated in custody following the announcement of a planned peaceful protest.
The opposition called for their immediate release and urged the authorities to ensure their safety while detained.
The three men were arrested following Monday night’s shooting incident involving Special Branch Head Senior Superintendent Prem Narine. The circumstances surrounding the gunfire, allegations of police abuse and the reported discovery of a firearm in their vehicle remain disputed.
Discussion