Investigations into beatings, death of Lusignan prisoner Ali still ongoing – Prison Service Director
Almost three months have elapsed since Shaheed Ali, who was on remand on a murder charge at the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara, was beaten to death and the police have not charged anyone.
The Lusignan prisoner who was badly beaten in the lockups and died
Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels in a telephone interview on Sunday explained that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has not completed its investigation into the alleged murder of the prisoner.
He stated that the GPF is yet to provide word to the Prison Service on the results of its findings which would most likely be provided when the probe concludes.
However, Samuels noted that the investigation into Ali’s beatings and death is “active”.
On April 2 last, Ali of Albouystown, Georgetown, was in Bay One at the Lusignan Prison around 22:58h when several other prisoners began to beat him following a dispute.
The injured inmate was taken to the GPHC where he was admitted as a patient. However, three days later, at about 20:50h, he succumbed to his injuries at the GPHC. A report was subsequently made to the police.
Guyana Times had been told that Ali had undergone surgery for several injuries including a fractured skull on the day of his death.
Just a few days ago, one week after 23-year-old Samuel Little of Lot 1 Stewartville, West Coast Demerara, was remanded for breaking and entering and larceny, he was killed in the Lusignan Holding Bay by another inmate.
Reports are that Little was involved in an argument with another male prisoner when he was struck with a piece of wood.
Initially, he was treated at the prison infirmary but rushed to GPHC due to the severity of his injuries.
Police have since confirmed that they have launched an investigation while the suspect was said to be assisting.
