Violation of Rights Poses Threat to All, Writes Lincoln Lewis to Kaieteur News

In a letter to the Editor published in Kaieteur News on October 21, 2026, attorney Siand Dhurjon's statements regarding the detention of Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and members of his staff on Monday night, which followed an alleged confrontation involving Special Branch Head Prem Narine, prompted Lincoln Lewis to issue a statement. Lewis suggested that if the message conveyed was that no one should challenge or disagree with the government, Guyana was entering a dangerous phase.

Lewis asserted that in a democratic nation, opposing political views must be respected as a right, not as an offense against those in power, and that no citizen should fear the repercussions of exercising the fundamental right to disagree with the government. He noted that he was revisiting his articles from August and September because the issues remained pertinent to the current situation.

Lewis pointed to events surrounding September 3rd, when Mohamed was reportedly arrested twice on what Lewis considered baseless allegations, as evidence of a troubling pattern. He claimed that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regime, in conjunction with the Guyana Police Force, appeared increasingly willing to disregard democratic safeguards without considering the outcomes, and that such actions, if not held accountable, endangered the societal structure.

Lewis emphasized that the issue transcended Mohamed, stating it concerned everyone's rights and respect for the rule of law. He warned that if the state's conduct and the fear of dissent were accepted, any individual could become the next target, particularly those lacking the financial means or political influence to seek legal remedy, leading to a more repressive and dangerous society.

Furthermore, Lewis raised concerns about the freedom of an elected constitutional office holder to perform their duties, noting that as Opposition Leader, Mohamed should be able to travel freely across Guyana without unwarranted interference, whether in a private or public capacity. He questioned what protection an average citizen could expect if the movement of an office holder elected by over 100,000 voters, according to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), could be questioned or reportedly shot at in public areas.

Lewis stressed that Guyanese must take this matter seriously, as the implications affect every citizen, irrespective of political alignment, religion, race, class, color, creed, or geographic location. He stated that political loyalty does not guarantee permanent protection when accountability is absent.

Lewis concluded that remaining silent risks complicity in oppressive behavior and the violation of citizens' rights. He maintained that the right to dissent, freedom of movement, and access to judicial redress should not be contingent upon political connections, wealth, or party affiliation. He expressed encouragement regarding the increasing number of voices speaking out on the matter, asserting that a just society cannot be built by suppressing disagreement, excusing abuses, or ignoring violations affecting one person.