Return of the dark days of police brutality

Nov 04, 2026 Editorial, News

(Kaieteur News) – The death of 32-year-old Gavin Kenard Douglas while in police custody at the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station is another deeply disturbing reminder of the dangers of unchecked police power and the urgent need to confront police brutality, torture and abuse of authority in Guyana.

Full coverageGavin Douglas Dies in Police Custody at Vreed-en-Hoop Station14 reports

The findings of the post-mortem examination make this matter particularly horrifying. Douglas reportedly suffered severe head trauma and blunt-force injuries to his abdomen, resulting in ruptured intestines. The official cause of death was recorded as cerebral haemorrhage due to blunt trauma to the head, with abdominal trauma listed as another significant contributing condition. Two Taser studs were also reportedly removed from his body.