APNU under fire for ‘false, malicious’ claims linking Govt Minister to bail release

…Minister demands retraction, apology, vows legal action

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is facing sharp criticism over defamatory allegations leveled against a sitting Magistrate and Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Sonia Parag, contained in its latest public statement.
The statement in question, which was released on Tuesday, accused Parag of having a hand in the release of one Glenroy Fraser from remand, on bail in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). APNU claimed that Fraser, who was charged with disrupting the peace, is a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) activist.
However, this was swiftly debunked by Parag, who released a statement on Tuesday denying that she had any hand in Fraser’s release. Parag made it clear that as an Attorney-at-Law by profession, she would not in any way have interfered in the workings of the court.
“The claim that I contacted or directed a judicial officer in the discharge of their functions is entirely false, malicious and fabricated. This reckless publication by APNU represents a calculated attempt to smear my name and mislead the public, and it brings the administration of justice into disrepute,” the Minister said.
“As an Attorney-at-Law by profession, I hold unwavering respect for the doctrine of separation of powers and the constitutional independence of the judiciary. Any suggestion that I would seek to influence the outcome of a judicial proceeding is not only deeply offensive, but also wholly incompatible with the principles I uphold,” Parag also said.
According to the Minister, she is already in talks with her lawyers, with a view of pursuing the appropriate legal action. Parag went on to demand an immediate retraction and public apology from the party, led by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton.
She added, “further, I wish to make it known that I am currently consulting with legal counsel and will be pursuing appropriate legal action against the authors and disseminators of this libellous and injurious publication. I will not allow any falsehood to go unchallenged, and I will defend my name and reputation vigorously and lawfully.”
“I demand the immediate retraction of the press release and a public apology from those responsible for its dissemination, for their deliberate attempt to malign both my name and the office I hold, and to cause harm to my reputation,” the Minister added.
In the release, APNU had referenced others who were charged with inciting violence and terrorism and refused bail. This is likely a reference to some of the persons that have been arrested and charged with the violent mayhem that swept the country, in the name of justice for the drowning of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge.
What began as calls for justice escalated into chaos as protest actions were hijacked by criminal elements who ignited roadways, looted businesses, and terrorised communities across Georgetown, East Bank Demerara (EBD), West Bank Demerara (WBD), East Coast Demerara (ECD), Berbice, and other areas.
Last week Wednesday, 43 individuals from across Guyana were charged and remanded to prison in connection with widespread acts of terrorism and looting during coordinated unrest that erupted nationwide last week Monday.
Nineteen more persons were hauled before the courts on Friday last in connection with terrorism, cybercrime, and robbery-related offences stemming from the recent unrest across Georgetown and Berbice, bringing the total number of individuals charged at that point to 62.