Protest Outside Georgetown Magistrates' Courts Descends into Violence After Barricade Breach, US-Indicted Leader Azruddin Mohamed in Court

According to the Guyana Times, a protest held outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday, while United States (US)-sanctioned and indicted Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed was in court, descended into violence after demonstrators pushed down police barricades. This action prompted police ranks to deploy tear gas and pellets in an effort to regain control and disperse the gathering. Following the dispersal of the crowd, some protesters moved toward Stabroek Market, where a small fire was observed at the market's front, increasing the tension in the vicinity.

The demonstration had been organized by relatives of the Mohameds and certain members of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) parliamentary team. However, reports indicated that social media contained calls for violence preceding the protest. However, reports indicated that social media contained calls for violence preceding the protest. Specifically, one social media page supporting WIN reportedly advocated for Georgetown to be set on fire, which raised concerns regarding the nature of the messages being shared and the potential for civil unrest. This was one of the concerns mentioned by the Guyana Police Force.

Furthermore, a live video captured by one protestor outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts showed individuals discussing methods for constructing Channa bombs.

Prior to the protest, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued a warning to the public against engaging in violence, property destruction, making threats against individuals, or deliberately obstructing public roads. The Force stated that while it acknowledges and respects the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of expression and peaceful picketing, these rights do not extend to acts of violence, intimidation, sabotage, or other unlawful behavior that could jeopardize public safety. The GPF cautioned that any individuals found participating in such activities would face investigation and prosecution if sufficient evidence is present.

The GPF also reminded the public that the Public Order Act, Chapter 16:03, governs public meetings and processions, requiring organizers of public processions to secure necessary permission and adhere to the conditions set forth in the legislation.

Of particular concern to the police were activities aimed at generating widespread fear, threatening national security, or disrupting essential community services. The police referenced Section 309A of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01, noting that certain actions involving serious property damage, violence, or disruption of essential services could qualify as terrorism if the specific conduct and intent required by law are established. The Force clarified that attempts, incitement, or assistance in committing such acts could also lead to criminal liability if the legal elements of an offense are met, and terrorism charges would be pursued if investigations uncovered evidence satisfying the legal requirements.

In parallel, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond issued a direct appeal to Guyanese citizens to maintain calm, warning that messages encouraging disorder and unrest had been circulating subsequent to Mohamed’s remand. Walrond acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to protest peacefully but drew a clear distinction between peaceful demonstrations and actions involving violence, incitement, property destruction, intimidation, or attacks on other citizens. She noted that Mohamed’s case was before the courts and that his legal counsel possessed the right to pursue available legal remedies. The Minister urged citizens not to allow themselves to be influenced into criminal conduct or violence, irrespective of their political affiliations or disagreements, emphasizing that all citizens share a duty to safeguard the nation's peace, safety, and stability. She assured the public that security services would continue to protect the public and uphold law and order while respecting the right of citizens to assemble and protest peacefully.