Guyana's opposition leader is jailed on a cybercrime charge over leaked police video, and a second officer is now charged

L2Who’s affected

Defence lawyer Roysdale Forde said appeals would go to the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice, and that the video was "not a matter of national security" (Demerara Waves). Greene's lawyer Darren Wade called the charge improper. APNU said it was "deeply concerned" because the charge relates to a non-violent offence (CMC).

L3Why it’s quiet

Analysis · OVERLOOKED A sitting opposition leader in jail, with a U.S. extradition case running alongside, is the kind of story that usually reaches U.S. wires; this one has not.

L4Deeper impact

On Nov. 2, constable Ashton "Chappy" Chappelle, 24, was charged under the same section of the Cybercrime Act and remanded by Magistrate Gibbs until Nov. 24. He was arrested Oct. 30; the offence is alleged to have happened Oct. 24. The charge carries a fine of up to GY$8 million and five years in prison (Demerara Waves, citing the Guyana Police Force). Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond ordered a review of the police Command Centre and said "political office does not confer immunity from investigation, just as political affiliation cannot be a basis for prosecution" (Demerara Waves).

L5Full context

Also on Nov. 2, Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman refused a U.S. prosecutors' application to revoke the Mohameds' bail in the extradition case: "I do not find that past conduct without a conviction or pending charges without a conviction is sufficient to warrant a revocation of bail." Mohamed, his driver and a staff member are separately charged over the Oct. 12 events with firearm and ammunition possession and attempting to pervert the course of justice. Demerara Waves says Mohamed remains on remand until Nov. 24.

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