Bar Association raps police for unjustified criticism of magistrate

The Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana has taken issue with what it says is an increase in unjustified public criticism of judicial officers over bail decisions, singling out a recent statement by the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

The Council’s concern follows a GPF press release criticising Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith McGusty for granting bail to a defendant accused of throwing acid on two women.

While acknowledging the right to critique judicial decisions, the Bar Council stressed that such commentary must be factual, balanced, and grounded in law. It noted that in this instance, the GPF’s statement omitted key facts, prompting the Chief Magistrate to clarify in court that the prosecution had failed to provide the promised evidence on which the criticism was based.

The Council reminded that the granting or refusal of bail is determined by legal principles and that bail is a mechanism to ensure court attendance, not a penalty.

It urged public institutions, including the GPF, to exercise responsibility in commenting on judicial matters, warning that inaccurate or incomplete criticism undermines judicial officers and erodes public confidence in the justice system.

“Judicial independence and the rule of law must be respected at all times,” the Council said.