Nandlall defends terrorism charge as appropriate

Attorney General Anil Nandlall has defended the police’s decision to charge individuals who participated in the recent unrest in Guyana with acts of terrorism, contending that the charge is appropriate.

Speaking on his weekly programme, “Issues In The News,” on Tuesday, the Attorney General maintained that the charge is not excessive.

Close to one week ago, scores of individuals across the country were charged and remanded under Section 309 (A) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act. This section of the Act, which was amended to address acts intended to strike terror in the public, was invoked following the unrest.

The unrest saw the disruption of traffic, the burning of tyres on public roads, damage to public and private infrastructure, violence, robberies, and the looting of homes and businesses. These incidents erupted after the body of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, who was initially reported missing, was discovered in a pool at the Double Day Hotel on 24 April.

The situation further escalated as the case developed in the following week, particularly on the day of the autopsy.

Following the charges, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) faced criticism from some sections of the public.

Addressing the matter, the Attorney General dismissed the criticism, emphasising that the nature of the actions warranted the charges laid.

“These were not peaceful protests… They were orchestrated attempts to reign terror across the land. The law was appropriately applied.”

He added: “I want to say to those who say it is the wrong charge… I want to say that they couldn’t find a better charge… When you light the road afire, rob supermarkets, and walk the streets with weapons, that is striking terror. That is exactly what the law was designed to address.”