‘Powerful’ officers cannot be above the law' — Women’s Commission

(Kaieteur News) – The Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) has broken its silence on the allegations of rape and sexual assault against Deputy Commissioner of Police Fazil Karimbaksh, questioning the apparent lack of action by the senior management of the Guyana Police Force and warning that the matter has become a test of whether powerful officials can be held accountable.

In a statement issued on Monday, WGEC Chairperson Indranie Chandarpal said the commission was particularly concerned about the “deafening silence” from the executive management of the police force, despite the allegations having reportedly been made months ago.

A serving female police inspector has accused Karimbaksh, who heads the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), of multiple incidents of sexual assault, threats and other serious misconduct. The allegations have not been tested in court and Karimbaksh remains entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence.