Jagdeo says lawbreakers must face ‘full force’ of the law

Commenting on the increase in law enforcement actions against individuals involved in looting and other illegal activities during the recent unrest, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo affirmed that he supports “strong enforcement” action against all lawbreakers.

“Whether they are PPP or not, I support strong enforcement action against anyone who broke the law.

“A few people, very few, may be caught up in the protest unfairly, but a majority of the people who were charged and are before the court, there is video evidence of their transgressions, (of) them breaking the law, looting or harming people. They have to be dealt with in the same way under the force of the law,” the Vice President said at his Thursday press conference.

Dozens of individuals were remanded to custody on serious charges under the Criminal Law (Offences) Act.

These individuals were part of widespread unrest that gripped the capital city of Georgetown last month. The violence was sparked by public outcry over the tragic death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge, triggering scenes of looting, road blockades, and the burning of debris.

The Guyana Police Force confirmed that more than 100 people were arrested nationwide in connection with the disturbances, and many have been facing charges in various magisterial districts.