GoFundMe support campaign launched as "Melly Mel" remains in US Custody

Family and friends of outspoken activist, Melissa Atwell aka “Melly Mel” have launched a GoFundMe account as she remains in US Custody following her arrest last Thursday. According to one family member, the account (https://gofund.me/ffbcee8d) was set up to assist in costs that the activist might incur for legal support.

Atwell was taken into custody by US Homeland Security agents early on Thursday morning from her home in New York, but transferred to a detention facility in Louisiana in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

News Source understands that she was initially questioned about her social media activism and complaints that were filed against her then questions were raised about her marriage and immigration status.

Atwell has been allowed phone calls to close family and friends, according to a family member and have indicated to them that she is doing fine. It is likely that there will be a Court hearing for her sometime in the new week to examine the reasons behind her detention.

Atwell has been a harsh critic of the Government of Guyana and many of her supporters believe complaints from local officials triggered her arrest and detention. It is unclear whether the Guyana Embassy in Washington has been officially informed of her detention and whether it has sought information on the reason behind the detention.

Meanwhile in Guyana, the political opposition have raised concern about the arrest and have called on the Guyana Government to come clean on its role in triggering the arrest. The Government has not offered any official comment. However, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo claimed on Thursday that he was not informed of the arrest, but that Guyana would welcome the activist home if she is sent home.

The Attorney General of Guyana is among a number of top Government officials who have complained about statements and information that Atwell has released on her social media pages highlighting alleged acts of corruption involving Government officials. A number of CyberCrime complaints and lawsuits were filed against her locally.