Following charges filed by the Guyana Police Force over an alleged illegal procession, and obstructing a police officer from carrying out his duty, main Opposition, APNU-AFC, Chief Whip Christopher Jones, his fellow Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson, and four others were today hauled to Magistrates’ Court and were all released on bail.
The six appeared in the courtroom of Magistrate Leron Daly in the company of their Attorneys, Darren Wade, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Joseph Harmon, and Ronald Daniels to have the charge was read to them.
The court heard that all six of the accused on April 26, last, between Croal and Regent Streets, took part in a procession, without the permission of the Chief Officer of Police.
MP Ferguson was also charged with obstructing a police officer from carrying out his duties.
They were all granted $20,000 bail on the charge of an illegal procession, while Ferguson was granted $10,000 bail on her obstruction charge. All of the defendants were ordered to return to court on May 14 for the continuation of the matter.
Speaking after the court proceedings, Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, insisted that this remains an act of terrorism against the people of Guyana since the Government continues to use force to institute charges that are a hundred years old.
Harmon said, “These are just two ordinary charges; this is a part of the process of terrorising the Opposition, terrorising the Guyanese public, terrorising everyone who comes against this installed regime. And, they don’t even understand the history of this country, when they make statements.”
Mr. Harmon added that “this is wake up call for all Guyanese; that we must stand firm together. This is important because what we are seeing here is state-sponsored terrorism. Today is Chris and Annette; tomorrow could be anybody else”
Harmon maintained that with this wake-up call Guyanese must all be vigilant in their approach. He emphasized that this remains a double standard since charges against the sitting Government were dropped, while the Government continues to drag opposition members to court.
Attorney-At-law, Daniels, noted also that they are charges that will not stand and could only be seen as being politically motivated.
“We are of the firm view that these charges are frivolous and vexatious. They have no basis in law and in fact. And, they are motivated only by political consideration” Daniels insisted.
Attorney Darren Wade also maintained that the charges are some of which are old and will not stand up.
