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THE Opposition is accusing the Government of abusing its power by potentially infringing on the constitutional rights of citizens following the declaration of a state of emergency yesterday.

Leading that argument was Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, who spoke during a news conference at the Office of the Opposition Leader on Charles Street in Port of Spain.

The SoE was declared following a meeting of the National Security Council, led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, on Monday night. Explaining her decision to impose the SoE, the Prime Minister cited a surge in violent, gang-related crime and credible intelligence indicating planned attacks on members of the protective services.