APNU+AFC today called for an impartial investigation to last night’s murder of political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing and urged calm at this trying time.
In a statement the opposition alliance said it is committed to ensuring that his killers are brought to justice.
The statement follows:
GEORGETOWN – Well-known activist Courtney Crum-Ewing was shot and killed exercising his democratic right while asking people to vote. APNU+AFC extends deepest condolences to his family and friends, his mother, his daughter and his partner, most of all. APNU+AFC is committed to ensuring that his killers are brought to justice.
Crum-Ewing’s murder has to be considered within the context of increasing attacks on the rights of citizens to express themselves freely and without fear, as well as against the backdrop of an untenable environment of poor citizen security.
Mr. Crum-Ewing’s strident activism and his commitment to democracy and justice were carried out with a rare energy. APNU+AFC has lost a tremendous asset and for many a good friend. We therefore find it abominable that the Ministry of Home Affairs would put out a press release which includes the following ominous warning and attempt at what can only be described as a bizarre nexus:
“The Ministry notes the deep coincidence between the fatal shooting incident and the earlier swearing in of the new Commissioner of Police.”
The public need not be reminded that Mr. Crum-Ewing rose to public prominence protesting the retention of Attorney-General Anil Nandlall in office after the AG was recorded warning of similar violent consequences against a leading media house. Mr. Crum-Ewing was subject to harassment, threats and unreasonable detention by the Guyana Police Force. Now, two days after former President Bharrat Jagdeo mounted a political platform and spouted his divisive and violence-tinged rhetoric, Mr. Crum-Ewing has been killed.
APNU+AFC demands a full and impartial investigation into the murder of Courtney Crum-Ewing along with independent observation of the post-mortem. The longer his killers escape justice, the greater an indictment of the PPP’s failure to keep this society secure.
Finally, to the citizens of Guyana, we appeal for you to be both resolute and reasoned in your condemnation of the impunity with which human rights abuses are carried and condoned under the PPP. Resist this dastardly and cowardly act of provocation. APNU+AFC appeals for calm in this trying time. On May 11 Guyana will be delivered from this evil which stalks Guyana. Vote for change.
