Dear Editor,
It is clear from the media coverage and commentary in the Government and PPP-supported media of the so called police warning to me that the police force is being used by the political directorate to try to intimidate me and by extension other activists. It is likely an attempt to divert attention from the murder itself. But, I view the police warning as a threat to my liberty— my right to free speech. And more importantly, I view the ridiculous charge of me inciting violence against the supporters of a political party as a threat to my personal wellbeing. By labeling me a prophet of violence, they have made me a potential target of retaliatory violence. I, therefore, hold the leadership of the Police Force and the Government of Guyana responsible for my personal safety.
In the meantime, I will not be intimidated. I will not be silenced. I join all those Guyanese protesting in the streets, in their homes and in their hearts in condemning this political murder. I defy the police “warning” and hereby reiterate my call to opposition supporters, in particular African Guyanese, to stay clear of any violent response. And I join President Ramotar in calling on the police authorities to do everything in their power to find the killers and any possible intellectual authors and bring them to justice.
Yours faithfully,
David Hinds
