Guyana president gives police two weeks to investigate torture allegations
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| Published on Friday, November 6, 2009 | Email To Friend Print Version
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GEORGETOWN, Guyana -- Guyana’s President Bharrat Jagdeo has given local police two weeks to conduct a “full investigation” into the recent allegations of two policemen here torturing a 14 year old boy accused of murder.
Jagdeo told a media conference on Thursday that the act was “callous”.
He noted that the investigation would be adamantly pursued, following which would be a report that would be made public within a space of two weeks, noting that the perpetrators, inclusive of the direct and supporting participants, will have to face the consequences.
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| Guyana President Bharrat Jagdeo. AFP PHOTO |
“It is important that we address this issue seriously, particularly in light of the damage that it does to the reputation of the police force and the image that we are trying to create, that this is a force that has many challenges, but is prepared to act professionally,” Jagdeo said.
Jagdeo also noted that following the incident he has requested training on human rights issues to be enhanced and considered foreign assistance to further promote training of security forces on the human rights topic
The Commander in Chief said he was also concerned about the “disparaging effect” this issue will have on the good quality policemen and soldiers who put their lives on the line daily to protect the nation and the Guyanese border.
“Hundreds of them every day, they are the frontline against criminals, these are the people we call on when something happens and many of them in spite of very difficult situations; remuneration not great, sometimes the conditions of service are not great, but they go out there and put their lives, many days, on the line for all of us," Jagdeo said.
He urged the nation not to allow “the actions of a few to cause us to forget the hundreds out there who do their work professionally and with decency.”
Meanwhile, Jagdeo has issued a national call for society not to lose sight of all the others who face difficulties when police officers are targeted, making reference to the recent overnight incidents involving, arson, abduction and murder.
The president urged the nation not to “paint all policemen and soldiers with the same brush”. | | | | Reads : 438 | | | |
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