– but defendant alleges police brutality against him

ANOTHER defendant has reportedly suffered acts of brutality perpetrated by the police following his arrest on January 25 on charges of resisting arrest, unlawful wounding and damage to property.

Appearing before New Amsterdam Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs–Marcus, the defendant Leroy McKenzie denied committing the two counts of resisting arrest, along with charges of unlawful wounding and damage to property laid against him by the police, and detailed the following narrative to the court: McKenzie said he is employed at ‘DANZIES’, and on Saturday, after receiving his pay, he took some drinks before going to the M. Ali Supermarket, where he was making a purchase.

“Whilst doing so, (policemen) Singh and Braithwaithe came into the supermarket and dragged me outside. I asked them is what I do, (but) they did not tell me. Singh dragged me into the vehicle, while Braithwaithe stamped me on my chest.

“They took me under the Canje Bridge, where they beat me up”.
Showing the Magistrate his swollen face, McKenzie continued: “Ma’am, they lashed me on my face, my ears, my mouth. I cannot eat. I asked to be taken to the hospital, they said the patrol coming, and until now (Monday) I am still waiting to go to the hospital.”

The magistrate recorded the defendant’s utterances, and questioned whether a statement from the supermarket proprietor was included in the case docket, to which Court Prosecutor Sergeant Godfrey Platter responded “No, Your Worship.”

The magistrate then ordered that the defendant be sent on self-bail on all the charges, before adjourning the case for hearing on February 11.

The case the police had brought against the defendant allege that on January 25 last, at Main Road, New Amsterdam, the defendant had resisted Police Constable Eon Beaton, and thereafter Dwayne Braithwaithe, while they were executing their duties.

On the same date, the defendant is alleged to have unlawfully and maliciously wounded Eon Beaton.

Further, he is alleged to have damaged a pound packet of powdered milk, valued at $600, the property of Mohammed Ali, proprietor of M. Ali Supermarket.

Over the past weeks, several defendants have alleged acts of police brutality having been perpetrated against their persons. Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus had asked the police prosecutors to inform the Berbice Divisional Commander in order that the matters can be investigated.

(By Jeune Bailey Vankeric)