Chief of Staff (CoS) of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) , Brigadier Omar Khan yesterday said that a video showing a soldier in uniform being attacked by a man who claimed to be a gang member is troubling.
The video was widely circulated on social media over the last two days but the identity of the soldier is not known although the GDF said he had been Away Without Leave (AWOL) for more than a year.
“This is troubling, and it’s not something we would condone, to anyone, not only ranks of the GDF, It could be a civilian too and to have the audacity to also video it, which is also something we have to address”, the CoS told Stabroek News.
The assailant disguised in a balaclava, was holding a knife and repeatedly throwing punches to the abdomen, face and head of the Guyana Defence Force rank who at intervals blocked the blows. It is unclear when the video was recorded.
In the 59-second video the assailant distinctly accused the soldier of “violating one of his gang affiliates” to which the army official in his defence attempted to give an explanation on what transpired but was repeatedly attacked by the man who goes by the name “Daniel”.
Another civilian in the video was heard saying to the supposed gang affiliate “Daniel, let that boy go! let that boy go! to which he (Daniel) refused and instead slapped and punched the soldier.
The terrified soldier pleaded for the blows to cease, but the assailant repeatedly attacked him and attempted to stab him. The soldier blocked the attempt.
In the video, the soldier was seen being carried out of a building by other supposed gang member.
The Guyana Defence Force in the statement on Saturday said that it is conducting a thorough investigation into the video.
The statement said that “the GDF firmly condemns the actions seen in the video, and further, requests for any information relating to same, be provided”.
Against this background persons were advised to contact + 592 226- 9888.
Khan said an investigation will be done.
“It’s not just a soldier who was absent but it was someone who was wearing the uniform, which is a symbol of our military, so that’s another aspect of things. All of that will be brought out in the investigation”, he said.
Khan also noted that even with the rank being AWOL there is a protocol to follow since he remains of interest to the force
“Once you are absent, we are still looking for you. There is an administrative process which in your absence we could administer but you are still of interest to the force because whether you are deserter …based on our defence act there are some things we need to do”, he said.
The CoS said that the soldier was in uniform, so whether he was part of the force during the assault will be determined in the investigation.
“An investigation has been launched. When the finding of that investigation is … known and we are of the view that we have gotten all the details, I am sure to make a statement on this matter”, he said.
Khan noted also that the police are investigating the matter and when the investigation is concluded the best possible decision will be made.
