…as police open probe into rape, gun threats allegations
(Kaieteur News) – Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fizal Karimbaksh has been sent on leave pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of rape and threatening behaviour made against him by a woman who worked under him.
In a press statement the Guyana Police Force said that following the receipt of the report, Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, established a team to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations. The Guyana Police Force said it wished to assure the public that the allegations are being treated with the seriousness they warrant and that the investigation will be conducted professionally, impartially and in accordance with established procedures.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fizal Karimbaksh
The Force said it remains committed to ensuring that due process is afforded to all parties involved. Investigations are ongoing and further information will be provided as necessary. Karimbaksh, head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is accused of sexual assault, threats to the life of a female inspector including an alleged incident in which a firearm was pointed at her. Last week Friday, Home Affairs Minister, Oneidge Walrond had disclosed that an official investigation had commenced into the allegations. Yesterday’s development came several days of calls from political parties and civil society groups for Karimbaksh to be removed from operational duties and placed on administrative leave while an independent investigation is conducted.
Earlier this week a broad coalition of civil society organisations, activists, academics, religious representatives and individuals is demanding urgent action over allegations of sexual violence involving senior officials, arguing that men in positions of power must be held accountable regardless of their political, professional or social connections. The civil society signatories, however, say the situation raises fundamental questions about accountability within the Guyana Police Force and the wider system for dealing with gender-based violence. “Men in positions of power across the spectrum in Guyana, including those with ministerial positions, or exercising leadership roles in political parties including the political party in Government have to take responsibility and action for their continuing and appalling, disgusting, abusive and criminal behaviour towards women,” they said.
They pointed specifically to the Karimbaksh allegations. The signatories are demanding that an independent investigation and special independent prosecutor be appointed to deal with the allegations against Karimbaksh. They questioned whether survivors and the wider public can have confidence in police investigating allegations against one of its most senior officers. “Justice must not only be served, it must appear to be served,” they said. Also adding its voice to the issue was the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) questioning the apparent lack of action by the senior management of the Guyana Police Force and warning that the matter has become a test of whether powerful officials can be held accountable. In a statement issued on Monday, WGEC Chairperson Indranie Chandarpal said the commission was particularly concerned about the “deafening silence” from the executive management of the police force, despite the allegations having reportedly been made months ago. WGEC said the circumstances are especially troubling because the alleged victim is herself a serving member of the organisation mandated to protect citizens. “What is particularly unacceptable in this instance, is that serving members of the Guyana Police Force, who are mandated to serve and protect the public, are themselves subject to sexual abuse from within their own institution,” the commission said.
It noted that victims of sexual exploitation in workplaces often face fear, embarrassment and concerns about retaliation, all of which can discourage them from reporting. According to the commission, those concerns become even more acute when the alleged perpetrator is a senior official with significant authority. The WGEC stressed that every Guyanese has a right to work in a safe environment and should not have to choose between personal safety, dignity and livelihood. “Human Rights are meaningless if those who violate it are protected by the very institutions charged with upholding said rights,” the commission warned.
It said the responsibility for protecting rights rests particularly with those who have a duty of care, including ministers, agency heads and law-enforcement authorities. The commission said the latest allegations therefore go beyond the individuals involved and raise fundamental questions about institutional accountability. “This case represents a test of Guyana’s institutions on whether they are capable of holding the ‘powerful’ accountable,” Chandarpal said. “It is therefore an imperative that we must not fail in this instance.”
Source: Kaieteur News
