Belize Progressive Party defends COLA’s protest

Sunday, November 29^th, 2015. BMG: A press release issued by the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) today, conveyed its dis-satisfaction towards the way ‘peaceful’ protesters were treated yesterday during the escorting of Guatemalan President-Elect, Jimmy Morales, through Belize City.

One incident in particular that likely triggered this release form the BPP, was the arrest of Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action’s (COLA) President, Giovanni Brackett and the way in which COLA member, Yaya Marin was handled by the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU).

The two were holding up placards as the convoy passed when they were taken down by GSU officers and Brackett was taken in the back of a police mobile, while Marin was left to walk away.

The release states that, like all Belizeans, BPP witnessed the blatant abuse of power demonstrated by the security forces, against protesters and demands an explanation from the Prime Minister and Minister of National Security. The release asks two questions. First: Why were peaceful protesters treated in such fashion? And secondly: On whose orders were the security forces acting?

It goes on to state that those questions must be answered since our constitution guarantees Belizeans the right to freedom of expression and the irresponsible, potentially illegal actions carried out by the security forces, clearly indicates the intentional militarization of our police department, as the manner of force exhibited has no place in domestic law enforcement, especially when dealing with unarmed and peaceful protesters.

It ends by stating: “…this is yet another manifestation of the PUDP-derived ‘4A Policy’ of: APPEASEMENT, ACQUIESCENCE, ACCOMMODATION and ADHERENCE. Belize, Sovereign and Free – NO ICJ!”

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