The charge of treason is becoming notorious

Jan 04, 2011 Letters

Dear Editor,
It appears that the charge of treason is now becoming popular in the land. I read of a Soesdyke trio, Army Officer Bruce Munroe, his wife and a Mr. Wharton, being slapped with treason charges for allegedly planning to overthrow the Guyana government. A few weeks ago I read of a 17-year-old among others identified as a terrorist, who it is alleged was engaged in acts deemed treasonous.
Is the system running out of charges and therefore finds it fitting to resort to that old Common Law charge of treason? Do the alleged acts of those slapped with the charge match the description of a treasonous offence? What really constitutes a treasonous act?
All these questions must be answered, since there is a ground swell of suspicion out there that this extreme charge is merely used by those in authority to either arouse empathy or sympathy and to keep perceived supporters of the ruling party in check, particularly during this election season.
While there might be no excuse for ignorance of the law, it will be beneficial if those in authority take time to provide answers to the questions posed, regarding this charge which is now becoming notoriously known. These answers will not only make people more aware of this charge, but are likely to aid a deeper understanding and conversation on the subject, thereby, addressing some of the suspicions and ignorance.
With general elections looming over the land, government’s actions and those actions suspiciously tilted in its favour will be scrutinized and analyzed carefully by the general public.
Those in authority therefore are reminded that any action on their part which seems to have a “fishy tinkle” will not go unnoticed.
An act of treason or a treason charge is considered as one of the most extreme crimes in the law books, its punishment is probably the most severe. It is therefore given that any such crime must be dealt with in a serious manner.
But we have witnessed a man charged with treason being told upon his release, after five years in prison without a conviction, that there was the hope that he had “learnt his lesson”.
These words, uttered by President Jagdeo, gave the impression to Guyanese that there was no serious belief on the part of the President and government of Guyana that the man’s actions or inactions posed any threat to the government, or had the faintest possibility of overthrowing them. For many, the charge was simply viewed as a scare tactic – used to induce fear – and as the President said, “teach the gentleman a lesson”. I therefore hope that treason charges are not being used to “teach people lessons”.
As a firm believer in democratic principles and advocate for decent, civilized societies, I do not condone nor excuse terrorist behaviour, neither do I trivialize the charge of treason, nor do I resist the punishment to follow from such a conviction. Attempts to overthrow any government do not necessarily amount to civilized behaviour and should not be tolerated.
I however wish to categorically state that any government which utilizes the treason charge as a means of “teaching citizens a lesson”, or deepening fear in a nation, might be guilty of committing treason in its most vile form.
Finally, if all these charges are in fact solid, the government must take a closer look at itself and do some serious introspection. Are people getting crazy? If so, why?
A happy and productive New Year to all Guyanese! Wish the nation a Crime Reduced 2011!
Lurlene Nestor

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