Social Media Personality Arrested in Georgetown Over Alleged Channa Bomb Threats

According to the Guyana Times, a social media personality originating from Fyrish, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), was taken into custody outside the Parliament Building in Georgetown at approximately 18:00h on Tuesday. This arrest followed allegations that the individual was documented in a live broadcast while discussing the preparation of Channa bombs during Monday's protest organized by We Invest in Nationhood (WIN). This incident occurred outside the court where Opposition Leader and WIN leader Azruddin Mohamed had appeared earlier that day, a figure who has been sanctioned and indicted by the United States (US).

Furthermore, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is currently looking for another social media personality who resides in East Canje, Berbice. This individual is alleged to have made comparable statements concerning the preparation and deployment of Channa bombs targeting Freedom House, which serves as the headquarters for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

On Monday, the demonstration held outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts became chaotic when protesters managed to break through police barricades. In response to this breach, the police utilized tear gas and pellets to attempt to disperse the gathering. As the crowd began to disperse, some individuals moved toward Stabroek Market, and subsequently, a small fire was observed at the front of the market, which heightened the tension in the vicinity.

A livestream video circulating on social media captured individuals discussing the methodology for constructing Channa bombs outside the courthouse.

Prior to the demonstration, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued a warning against acts of violence, property destruction, intimidation, and other illegal activities. The GPF emphasized that the constitutional right to peaceful protest does not extend to actions that jeopardize public safety. The police also advised that any persons involved in unlawful conduct could be subject to investigation and prosecution if sufficient evidence is present.