‘Power must not shield abusers’ — civil society demands independent probe into Karimbaksh allegations

(Kaieteur News) – A broad coalition of civil society organisations, activists, academics, religious representatives and individuals is demanding urgent action over allegations of sexual violence involving senior officials, arguing that men in positions of power must be held accountable regardless of their political, professional or social connections.

The call comes against the backdrop of allegations of rape and threatening behaviour made by a serving female police inspector against Deputy Commissioner of Police Fazil Karimbaksh, head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), and the recent conviction of former Region Four Regional Democratic Council Chairman and current National Border Patrol Director Daniel Seeram for assaulting his former wife.

The Guyana Police Force has confirmed that it received allegations of rape and threatening behaviour against a senior officer and that Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken established a team to investigate the matter. Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond has said that, in her view, Karimbaksh should be placed on administrative leave while the investigation proceeds. She has also acknowledged that the Police Service Commission, which ordinarily has responsibility for disciplinary action involving senior police officers, is not currently constituted.