GPF says Mingo’s constitutional rights not breached

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 continued that instead of waiting in the area indicated, and without any explanation, Mr. Wade immediately left the CID Headquarters compound and met with several members of the media on the roadway where he made “some false allegations.”

“Noteworthy, however, is the fact that after this, the Attorney returned into the CID Headquarters where he met with his client Mr Mingo.”

The Guyana Police Force said 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.

“In this regard, however, the Police Force expects that Attorneys-at-Law conduct themselves in a professional manner and with a due sense of responsibility in keeping with the ethical standard required of the Legal Profession.” 

GPF noted that there are designated areas at Police locations which allow for privilege conversations. 

“Consequently, members of the public and of the Legal Profession who engage members of the GPF at any Police location ought to follow the directions of any Police Rank/Ranks on duty as it relates to access to persons in Police custody,” the statement said.