The Guyana Police Force (GPF) today refuted allegations being peddled in the media that Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo’s constitutional rights were breached by the Force.
Mr Mingo was taken into custody on Tuesday, August 25, on allegations of electoral fraud committed at the March 2, General and Regional Elections.
Providing details today, the police explained that shortly after Mr. Mingo arrived at the CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, his Attorney Mr. Darren Wade turned up and demanded an immediate conference with him.
“The police rank on duty directed the Attorney to a designated area where access to his client would be granted after the rank had completed making the necessary entries in the Police records,” GPF said in a statement today.
It should be noted however that the world witnessed Attorney Wade pleading with members of the Guyana Police Force to see his client. The attorney stated that it was highly unusual for his client to be questioned and denied the presence of counsel. Members of the public also expressed horror that an old man like Mingo was handcuffed while in custody.
The Guyana Police Force went on to state that, it remains ready to engage with members of the Legal Profession to ensure that their constitutional rights along with those of persons they represent are respected at all times with due process.