Latest update August 20th, 2026 12:07 AM
We must not allow political bias to tarnish the integrity of our Nation’s Judicial System
Dear Editor,
Article 144 (1) 2 (a) of the Constitution states:
“If any person is charged with a criminal offence, then, unless the charge is withdrawn, the case shall be afforded a fair hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial court established by law.
(2) It shall be the duty of a court to ascertain the truth in every case provided that every person who is charged with a criminal offence –
(a) shall be presumed to be innocent until he or she is proved or has pleaded guilty;”.
This fundamental provision to secure protection of the law is not unique to Guyana, but is a fundamental legal right recognized by courts around the world.
The Chambers of the Attorney General should embrace this fundamental provision provided by the Constitution and allow it to guide their comments and actions accordingly. To state concerns over a “fugitive offender” becoming the leader of the opposition in Parliament is a statement that diminishes our Nation’s Constitution and the provision it provides for the presumption of innocence.
It also disregards our recent history and is similar to the statements previously made concerning candidate Ali. We must remember that presidential candidate Irfaan Ali also had numerous pending fraud charges and faced travel restrictions to Canada. Yet our nation’s electorate chose to make him President. We must not allow political bias to tarnish the integrity of our Nation’s Judicial System and our Constitution.
The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana (CRG) once again encourages our government to distance itself and not interfere directly or indirectly in the proceedings underway in relation to the extradition and the election of the leader of the opposition. It is the duty of the Chambers of the Attorney General to defend our constitution and uphold the rights and protections it provides for our citizens.
Sincerely,
Mr. Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
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