DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions, Ms Shalimar Ali-Hack, has denounced media reports in some quarters that she has been seeking to protect from prosecution a Muslim scholar accused of sexually molesting at least four young boys.
Ms Hack said in a statement yesterday that the office of the DPP is a constitutional one and duties there are taken seriously.
“I act in accordance with the law, and the evidence before me in a professional and objective manner. The case of the Islamic scholar will be no exception. I do not act according to race, religion or politics.”
She further contended that at no time at all, nor in any way did she interfere with the police investigations in this matter. “The police are free to conduct their independent investigations, and to even proceed with the institution of charges without the advice of the DPP,” she said.

Condemnation
Several Muslim organisations came out recently in strong condemnation of the explosive revelations that at least three young boys have allegedly been sexually molested by an Islamic scholar and Imam attached to the Turkeyen Masjid, East Coast Demerara.
The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) made clear that it would “never condone any unlawful act.” In a statement, the CIOG said, “Our nation’s children are our hope for the future, and caring for them is one of our greatest responsibilities.”
The organisation further said that one of its commitments is ensuring that children are protected from these incidents. “Our commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect by promoting healthy families, protecting children, and supporting communities throughout this country remains unblemished.”
The CIOG said it has “reinforced initiatives that enhance the efforts of child protective service agencies to prevent and treat child abuse”; and that it will also continue its work to “ensure all children have the ability to live free from abuse and neglect by advocating for the safety of all young people.” 
The Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT), too, weighed in on the matter, saying it was “appalled by the news carried in the media alleging that an Imam/Muslim scholar molested young boys from his madrasah.” 
This issue came to light after several anonymous calls were made to the Child Protection Agency informing staffers there of the incident. According to reports, one parent was first made aware of the incident last Monday night when a Welfare Officer turned up at her home with her three children. The parent had just arrived home from selling on Regent Street, and did not find the children at home; instead, they arrived home in a car with the official.
Following the levelling of the allegations, the four boys underwent a medical examination which substantiated their claims, and the man in question was subsequently taken into custody.
While the police are saying that the man allegedly committed the act on three boys, the mother is contending that her four sons, aged four, six, eight and 10, were all victims.
The suspect was arrested on Tuesday afternoon.