Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee has distanced himself and his Ministry from the promotion of two police officers who were arrested and charged with torturing a 15-year-old boy who was in custody at the Leonora Police station back in 2009.
The two policemen were recently promoted although an internal investigation by the Police Force found them responsible for the burning of the teenager’s penis and his crotch. Criminal charges against them were dismissed after the teen stayed away from court and did not offer evidence. The government later settled a civil lawsuit by paying him just over $6Million for the ordeal.
Policeman Narine Lall was promoted from Sergeant to Inspector while Mohanram Dolai was promoted from Constable to Corporal.
Questioned about the promotions on Monday, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee told News Source, that promotions at that level are done by the Police Service Commission on the recommendation and advice of the Commissioner of Police. 
He said while his Ministry expressed its concern over the teenager’s torture back in 2009, it cannot be held responsible for them still being on the job and being promoted since issues like those would be dealt with by the Police Service Commission.
“I have nothing to do with the Police Service Commission. That’s a constitutional body and they make decisions in their own right and in their own judgement. Clement Rohee has nothing to do with the Police Service Commission”, Rohee declared.
He added “officers at that level are recommended by the Commissioner”.
The Attorney who represented the tortured teen wants the issue of the promotion of the torture cops to be probed. Attorney Khemraj Ramjattan is surprised that they are still present in the police force and would have qualified for a promotion.
The young man who was 15-years-old at the time, had his crotch doused with methylated spirits and set alight while he was in police custody as they probed a robbery and murder case. He was cleared of any wrong doing. The incident triggered international and local calls for the reform of the Guyana Police Force. At the time, both Government and non government agencies openly criticised the torture of the teen.
An inquiry was conducted into the teen’s torture and the investigating Assistant Commissioner in his findings said “This is an ugly and unfortunate incident as senior ranks did not take appropriate action to safeguard the wellbeing of the prisoners.”
Filed: 19th January, 2015
4 Responses to "Seelall recommended promotion of “torture cops” -Home Affairs"
You must be logged in to post a comment Login