Police to challenge dismissal of cyberterrorism charge against businessman

The Guyana Police Force has signalled its intention to challenge a ruling by Magistrate Allan Wilson dismissing a cybercrime terrorism charge against Dennis Persaud, 37, of West Strathavon, Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).
Magistrate Allan Wilson dismissed the chargefollowing submissions made at the close of the prosecution’s case.
In arguments before the court, the defence contended that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case, noting that the allegation was based on a post which was deleted shortly after it was made.
The court also heard that there was no evidence to prove that Persaud created the original post, nor that the content reached a wide audience, as it was shared in a restricted format on a social media platform.
Further, the defence argued that there was no evidence that any person acted on the alleged post, pointing out that no speed cameras were burned as a result of the purported incitement.
Testimony from the prosecution’s expert witness, Assistant Superintendent of Police Koulen, revealed that no trace of the post was found on the defendant’s device, and that he could not confirm authorship, the number of persons who viewed the post, or how long it remained online.
The defence also advanced arguments on the definition of incitement, submitting that it requires clear intent and direct encouragement to commit a crime, and must go beyond mere expression of ideas. It was further argued that the prosecution’s evidence, taken at its highest, was unreliable and insufficient to sustain the charge.
Despite the dismissal, the Guyana Police Force has indicated that it is dissatisfied with the ruling and is reviewing the matter with a view to challenging the decision, maintaining that the case involves the use of digital platforms in a manner that could threaten public infrastructure and safety.
Persaud had originally been charged in May 2025 after police alleged that he used a computer system to incite persons to commit a terrorist act by encouraging the burning of speed cameras.
He was granted $150,000 bail when he first appeared before Magistrate Wilson at the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court.