THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) yesterday categorically denied claims that it tortured one of its ranks by stripping, beating and forcing him to lie on a “wet concrete floor while in custody at army headquarters, Camp Ayanganna,” as contained in the Kaieteur News article of August 23, 2011, titled “Soldier’s mother  fears for his life.” This claim by Kaieteur News is far from the truth and the soldier, Private Dane Wilson, was interviewed and denied he suffered any form of torture, a GDF release yesterday stated.
Giving its account of the incident, the army said that last Friday, Private Wilson was ordered to be placed in detention for refusing to perform a military duty and for being absent without leave.
The release said, “Upon being taken to the cell, he stripped naked and had to be wrapped in a sheet before being placed in the cell, where he was eventually clothed in detention uniform. Private Wilson was subsequently disciplined yesterday, Monday 22, for the offences.
“Our investigations have so far revealed that his mattress was withdrawn from him and his cell was deliberately soaked by another inmate. The persons responsible will be appropriately disciplined.”
The release stated that further investigations are being conducted into allegations that he was manhandled while in the cell.
Yesterday, the Force’s Welfare Officer contacted the soldier’s mother to have her concerns addressed, but she was unavailable and promised to visit the Welfare Officer today.
The GDF meanwhile, wishes to assure the public that all of its actions and practices are of a high standard and are above board; and it is on record of taking swift disciplinary action against deviant behaviour.