APNU MP Desmond Trotman is to move a motion on May 7 for the National Assembly to declare that the right of citizens to assemble and demonstrate peacefully outside Parliament should not be hindered.
In recent years, protesters have been kept away for Parliament without a reason being provided. Parliament Office yesterday served notice that the motion was received on April 19 and is to come up on May 7.
Trotman’s motion noted that from the early beginnings of the National Assembly there have been public gatherings outside Public Buildings including demonstrations and protests.
The recital to the motion also stated that Article 147 of the Constitution enshrines the right of freedom of assembly and peaceful demonstration.
The motion’s resolve clause urged that the “National Assembly declares that the right of citizens to assemble and to demonstrate peacefully should not be hindered by the Guyana Police Force or any other agency or institution of state.”
It said the police should relocate barricades so as to allow freedom of assembly within proximity of the Public Buildings.
The motion further resolves that Parliament Office makes arrangements for the broadcast of parliamentary sittings in the environs of the National Assembly.
