Blue CAPS has taken notice and endorses the recommended precautionary measures from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) regarding the circumstances surrounding the taping of a telephone conversation between Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Leonard Gildarie, Kaieteur News journalist.
We urge the government to treat this matter with the utmost seriousness and urgency and execute the precautionary measures as outlined by the IACHR. These include adopting the necessary measures to protect the lives and personal integrity of the three identified members of Kaieteur News; agreeing on the measures to be adopted with the proper beneficiaries and their representatives; reporting on the actions taken to investigate the alleged facts that compelled the IACHR to make these recommendations so that such events would not be repeated; and providing information relating to the matter within the specified timeframe so as to allow for the IACHR to review its decision.
The contents expressed by Minister Nandlall in the recording have no place in our society and they clearly violate the laws of Guyana and should be treated as a criminal matter and investigated by the Guyana Police Force.
Moreover, we are surprised that despite broad condemnation from all sections of civil society, Mr.Nandlall is still allowed to perform the duties as Attorney General. This sends a troubling message that senior state officials are exempted from due course under the law. He should step down or be asked to resign by President Ramotar.
Blue CAPS is a non-partisan civic NGO that develops and advocates public policy prescriptions for a better Guyana. For more information about Blue CAPS: Website: www.bluecaps.gy
