Latest update September 13th, 2026 10:36 AM
Mar 16, 2025 News
Kaieteur News- Social Media Activist, Melissa Atwell, on Saturday night, said that she has found herself fighting for her freedom, claiming that the Guyanese government is trying to silence her.
“The Guyana government may try to silence me, but they cannot silence all of us”, she stated in a Facebook post while adding, “We will not back down. We will not be intimidated. The truth will always rise, no matter how hard they try to suppress it.” The post comes days after she was arrested in the United States of America.
Initial reports suggested that she was detained by the United States Department of Homeland Security but subsequent reports said she was detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Richwood Correction Center in Louisiana.
The circumstances surrounding her detention are unclear at this time and in her statement, she did not disclose why she was arrested.
Atwell, who goes by the alias ‘Melly Mel’, is now claiming that the Guyanese Government might have played a role in her detention by the U.S. authorities.
“As many of you know, I have spent years being a voice for the voiceless, standing up against injustice, corruption, and the oppression of our people,” she said before adding “But let me be clear— this fight is not just about me. This is about every person who has ever been silenced, targeted, or wronged by a corrupt system that seeks to crush those who stand against it.”
A GoFundMe has reportedly been initiated to help the social media activist fight for her freedom. She said that the money raised is going towards legal fees and assured that justice will prevail.
“Your help is not just appreciated, it is necessary,” she said.
Over the years, the activist has used her Facebook page as a platform to assist victims of rape and abuse and to spread awareness on social issues affecting Guyanese, but recently she began calling out the ruling government for alleged corruption.
Her bold posts about government officials and even ministers have gathered lots of attention and have attracted strong criticisms and even a lawsuit from a senior government official.
Despite Atwell’s claims that the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) might be behind her arrest, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday at his weekly press conference, said his government was not informed or aware of her arrest.
(‘Melly Mel’ breaks silence: Claims Govt. trying to muzzle her)
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