Under increasing scrutiny over the time it is taking to provide advice to the police, the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) yesterday said that all of the statements and evidence in the rape allegation against Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall must be considered.
Following several days of protest action outside of the DPP’s Chambers over the handling of the rape case, the Chambers of the DPP stated in a press release that the Minister’s case remains one of thousands and that those persons already in custody are given priority.
“This police file in question, is only one of thousands of police flies, which the DPP’s office receives from all stations in the 10 administrative regions of Guyana for legal attention. Files for persons in custody are given priority”, the DPP informed in a release.
The granting of bail to Dharamlall had raised questions
The DPP’s statement came as protest actions continue to be held at the office by members of the opposition and civil society who are all calling for the Minister to be charged.
The file was r sent to the DPP last Thursday and since then no update has been issued by the office.
The DPP explained yesterday that in each instance when the file comes to the desk of the DPP, it is given the same attention. This file, the DPP stressed, is no different and is being given the “due legal attention.”
The DPP’s Chambers asserted that it will not be intimidated by the protest action and by those who profess to want justice but will seek to carry out its function in an impartial manner.
It further urged persons to not politicise the matter as all the evidence is currently being processed.
“We strongly urge the public to desist from politicizing an alleged criminal offence.
It is indeed one of national interest and therefore all statements/evidence must be considered before legal advice is given to the Guyana Police Force.”
Dharamlall is accused of raping a 16-year-old girl and is presently out on $1 million bail.
Since then, the Minister has also proceeded on administrative leave pending the outcome of the matter.
He is also now awaiting the DPP’s advice. Minister Dharamlall is being represented by Hughes, Fields and Stoby.
President Irfaan Ali has been strongly criticised for not acting decisively in removing Dharamlall pending an investigation.
