Guyana denies torture cover-up

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee told members of the media yesterday that the government abhors torture and any such act committed is neither centrally directed nor condoned by the administration.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, November 4, 2009 – The Bharrat Jagdeo administration had defended itself against criticism leveled against it by the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) on the heels of the arrest of two police officers who allegedly tortured two murder suspects, including a teenager whose genitals were burnt.

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee told members of the media yesterday that the government abhors torture and any such act committed is neither centrally directed nor condoned by the administration.

He said that his ministry unequivocally rejects the use of excessive force as a means of extracting evidence from suspects.

Rohee’s comments followed the GHRA’s condemnation of the alleged torture of a 14-year-old in police custody in connection with the murder of former Region Three Vice Chairman, Ramnauth Bisram; and the association’s claims that “the highest political authorities have justified covering-up previous incidents of torture by preventing effective investigation, blocking publication of reports, downplaying the seriousness of torture in Parliament and repeatedly referring to ‘killing’ or ‘eradicating’ criminals rather than adopt language which promotes the rule of law.”

“It is utter rubbish and a far cry from the truth,” Rohee said.

He added that there are no Ayatollahs of torture within government, saying that those who continue to harbour such notions should, “if they have a sense of history, recall that the PPP in opposition and in Government has always opposed torture especially when consideration is given to the fact that many of its activists and supporters suffer physically while the party was in Opposition”.

Rohee further pointed out that the claim by the GHRA that ranks who engage in torture are given official protection is outrageous and a fabrication aimed at misleading the public.

He said any officer who engages in acts of impropriety, misconduct or wrongdoings contrary to the laws of Guyana, the Police Act or the Standing Orders of the Guyana Police Force will be dealt with in accordance with the Law.

Such ranks, Minister Rohee noted, will be rooted out when discovered, pointing out that over 80 ranks found involved in corrupt practices have been brought before the court so far this year.