The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has defended the arrest of two individuals during the Labour Day procession in Fyzabad on June 19th, stating that officers acted within the law to protect the integrity of the authorised event.

According to the TTPS, the annual Labour Day procession organised by the Trade Union movement had received the required permit under the Summary Offences Act. Police say a social activist and a small group, who were not part of the authorised procession, attempted to join the march.

The TTPS says officers informed the group that they were not covered by the existing permit and that a separate permit would be required for any additional public march. Police allege that despite these warnings, the group continued to participate in what officers deemed an unauthorised procession.