GUYANA | Opposition Condemns "Harassment" of Retired Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Slowe

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, August 30, 2024 - In a strongly worded statement released today, Guyana's Opposition party has come out in defense of the former Chairman of the Police Services Commission and Retired Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Slowe, accusing the current government and senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) of harassment and attempting to "trump up charges" against him.

The Opposition alleges that these actions are part of a broader attempt to silence Slowe, who has been vocal in his criticism of both the police force and the government, particularly regarding issues of corruption and malpractice.

"The actions of the GPF and its political masters who have corrupted, politicised, mismanaged and de-professionalized the Force are clearly aimed at silencing Mr. Slowe," the statement read. It went on to praise Slowe's service record, describing him as having "served the Guyana Police Force with distinction."

The Opposition's statement also leveled serious accusations against the current administration, referring to it as the "PPP regime" and alleging that it is protecting senior officers and government officials accused of bribery and corruption.

Of particular note was the Opposition's reference to allegations against Second Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, stemming from a Vice News documentary. The statement criticized the GPF for its "unwillingness" to investigate these claims while simultaneously "unlawfully targeting innocent Guyanese."

The Opposition called on the Guyana Police Force to redirect its efforts towards tackling crime and internal corruption, stating that the force "needs to be focused on tackling crime and weeding out from its ranks those who are involved in illegal activities."

The statement concluded with a demand for the GPF to "desist from targeting Mr. Slowe" and instead "enforce the law against those who break the law."

This latest development highlights the ongoing tensions between the Opposition and the current government, with the police force caught in the middle of a heated political debate about corruption, accountability, and the rule of law in Guyana.

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