AN offensive launched by social activist Mark Benschop against two Chinese nationals charged with assaulting an 11-year-old schoolgirl has been taken to another level.

Benschop is now planning to make the lives of the couple and their family members “a living hell if they remain in Guyana and continue operating a business.”
He, the child and her grandmother on Friday converged outside the couple’s place of business and launched a protest that saw the proprietress, who said she feared for her life, calling in the police.
When the Chronicle stopped by later in the day, Benschop was standing on the pavement outside the store and urging persons not to patronise it as the owners had assaulted a little girl.
Many took him at his word and turned away, after vainly attempting to gain access to the store. At one point, a woman, who seemed very taken by Benschop’s actions, took up the cudgel and not only began advising persons not to enter the store, but also hurling abuse at the couple who run it, which only served to further intimidate the pair.
All this unfolded in the presence of a police rank, who was posted outside the store, quietly appraising the situation.
The proprietress later confided in the Chronicle that she is baffled by Benschop’s actions, and that what is even more disturbing is that the matter pertaining to the offence she allegedly committed is still before the court.
She is of the opinion that until such time as the court has ruled on the matter, persons should desist from passing judgment on her and her spouse.
The woman, in justifying her decision to call in the police Friday, said a similar protest started Tuesday outside the store soon escalated into persons taking advantage of the confusion and helping themselves to her goods.
Police are currently investigating a report of robbery and assault on the Chinese couple which occurred on Tuesday. On Thursday, the police said they were taking statements in the matter, and are likely to lay charges soon.
Meanwhile, the chief magistrate is said to be paying close attention to another aspect of the matter and  she is soon to pronounce on the illegal photographing of the couple while they sat in her court to answer charges of assault.
The photos were taken on Tuesday and circulated on the Internet. This publication was informed that the photos were taken without the permission of the sitting magistrate, or her having any knowledge that the couple had been photographed.