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Guyana Human Rights Association Commends Police Response to Rape Incident

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has praised the quick response of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to the rape and sexual violence against a 20-year-old Amerindian woman at the Raghoo Bar in Soesdyke. The incident, which occurred on July 18, has led to the arrest of two individuals, including a disc jockey, and has been adjourned to August 18 for disclosure. The GHRA commends the GPF for its energetic response, urging other government agencies to follow suit. The human rights body also condemned the inaction of bystanders who filmed the assault instead of intervening.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Guyana Police Force (GPF) responded quickly to the rape and sexual violence incident, arresting two individuals, including a disc jockey, within a week of the incident.
  • The matter has been adjourned to August 18 for disclosure, allowing the investigation to continue.
  • Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, has condemned the attack, describing it as "most reprehensible".
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs has launched an urgent probe into the incident, labeling it a "grave concern".
  • The GPF has arrested several people in connection to the alleged sexual assault and continues to search for others.
  • The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) is calling for sustained energetic responses from government agencies and for the incident to be treated as part of a larger pattern of sexual crimes against women.
  • The GHRA is also demanding the cancellation of the license and closure of the Raghoo Bar, where the incident allegedly occurred.
  • The GHRA notes that public reactions to the incident contrast sharply with the growing acceptance of sexually objectifying women in Guyanese society.
  • The GHRA is advocating for policy changes to address the endemicity of sexual violence against women and girls in Guyana.

Statistics:

  • The incident occurred on July 18, 2023 (reported by the GPF).
  • The matter has been adjourned to August 18, 2023 (reported by the GPF).
  • 2 individuals have been arrested in connection to the alleged sexual assault (reported by the GPF).
  • Several people have been arrested in connection to the alleged sexual assault (reported by the GPF).
  • The Raghoo Bar has been identified as the location where the incident allegedly occurred (reported by the GPF).

Sources:

  • Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) statement on the incident
  • Guyana Police Force (GPF) press release on the incident
  • Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud's statement on the incident
  • Ministry of Home Affairs press release on the incident
  • Raghoo Bar incident reports

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