New York based, Guyanese political activist, Rickford Burke
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has signalled its intention to initiate extradition proceedings against political activist Rickford Burke, who is currently residing in the United States (US) as it seeks to bring him before the court on new allegations of extortion. The announcement by the Police came one day after Acting Chief Justice Roxane George declared the charge of criminal defamation libel to be unconstitutional. In a statement on Saturday, the Force said: “The ruling of the Chief Justice in the legal challenge filed by Rickford Burke notwithstanding, the Guyana Police Force maintains resolutely that it is in possession of cogent, compelling, and irrefutable evidence that Rickford Burke has engaged in the conduct of extorting money from a local businessman.”
According to the release, the matter is under review and the Police are “awaiting further legal advice in relation to the institution of fresh charges.”
The GPF added that “since Mr Burke remains outside of the jurisdiction of Guyana, extradition proceedings will be pursued under the Fugitive Offenders Act in keeping with the ruling of the Chief Justice.”
The accusations against Mr Burke originate from claims that he used his social media platforms to amplify complaints from dissatisfied customers about vehicles purchased from BM Soat Auto Sales, located in Lusignan.
In dismissing the criminal defamation charge, the Acting Chief Justice pointed out that Mr Burke has resided outside of Guyana and has not set foot in the country for the past 27 years, a fact that was not contested by either the Police nor the Immigration Department.
The Acting Chief Justice further clarified that the proper legal route for returning individuals facing criminal charges lies within the Fugitive Offenders Act, which includes adherence to all required legislative procedures.
