Dear Editor,
I write this letter to protest the assault on journalist, social activist, and human rights crusader Mark Benschop, who was assaulted by Presidential Press Liaison Officer Kwame McCoy. Mr Benschop was in the process of fulfilling his duties as a journalist by filming the construction of McCoy’s house at Diamond when he was set upon by McCoy and four armed men. Mr Benschop was brutally punched and kicked about the body. His vehicle was broken into and his computer and other personal property were stolen. The vehicle was also trashed.
I also condemn the partisan action of the police who made no attempt to recover the stolen property. Instead Mr Benschop, the victim, was locked up.
This was not just brutalization of Mr Benschop, but an attack on press freedom. The message was clear. The regime would not tolerate investigative journalism of any sort, more so that which would expose their fortunes and mansions.
I urge all Guyanese to come out in support of Mark Benschop by rallying around the Brickdam lockups, and the court where Mr Benschop will be arraigned. A protest against this latest outrage should also be done at the Office of the President.
Yours faithfully,
Malcolm Harripaul
