Guyana government abhors torture, says minister
|
| Published on Thursday, November 5, 2009 |
Email To Friend Print Version |
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA) -- Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, on Monday told the media that, the Government of Guyana has reiterated its commitment, time and again to due process with respect to the committal of criminal offences. Further, Government abhors torture and any act so committed is neither centrally directed nor condoned by the Administration.
 |
| Guyana’s Home affairs Minister Clement Rohee |
Pointing to comments made by the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), Rohee said, ‘it is utter rubbish and a far cry from the truth to which the GHRA has always been a stranger.’ He said that his Ministry unequivocally rejects the use of excessive force as a means of extracting evidence from suspects. He was at the time speaking about allegations of torture of a 14-year old boy.
Rohee pointed out that ‘in this matter, it is critical that one side must not be over-looked in favour of the other, nor must those demanding justice be concerned only with the victims claiming torture, though this demand may be quite justifiable’. He appealed to the media not to lose sight of the fact that a brutal murder took place.
Noting that there are three persons in police custody and one person already charged, Rohee pointed out that what is critical is that in both instances; the murder and the allegation of torture, due process will be followed and ultimately the Court will decide the outcome.
He also pointed out that there are no Ayatollahs of torture within the Administration, saying that those who continue to harbour such ‘misplaced notions should, if they have a sense of history, recall that the PPP in opposition and in Government has always opposed torture especially when consideration is given to the fact that many of its activists and supporters suffer physically while the party was in Opposition’.
Regarding the claim of an attempted cover-up, he said his Ministry’s rejection to the claim is based on the notion that ‘cover-ups betray the law itself’, and ‘inspire conspiracies against the rule of law’ undermining public trust.
He declared that the Administration has never been party to such practices. Further he pointed out that the claim by GHRA that ranks who engage in torture are given official protection is outrageous and a fabrication aimed at misleading the public.
He pointed out that any rank who engages in acts of impropriety, misconduct or wrongdoings contrary to the laws of Guyana, the Police Act or the Standing Orders of the Guyana Police Force will be dealt with in accordance with the Law. Such ranks, he noted, will be rooted out when discovered, pointing out that over 80 ranks found involved in corrupt practices have been brought before the court for the year.
He pointed out that the allegations of torture have complicated the investigation process in the murder of former deputy Region Three Chairman, Ramenauth Bisram. Minister Rohee stated that the Police must be allowed to investigate any and all crimes.
Recognizing the four demands of the group of 25, Rohee said the only demand to be implemented is the demand for the establishment of an Independent Public Commission of Inquiry. | | | | Reads : 294 | | | |
|
|
