Dear Editor,
There are reports that the Guyana Police Force did not exercise due diligence in protecting the identity of the 12 year old child who was charged for murder recently. The child was handcuffed to an adult, and people were able to take pictures and share them around. Some media outlets tried to hide the child’s face after it was pointed out that it is decent to protect the identities of children in court.
There are reports that the child did not have legal representation. There are no reports whether the child as advised by the Ministry of Social Protection or the Childcare and Protection Agency of the options available for legal representation.
There are no reports about whether the Magistrate advised the child about legal aid or tried to seek legal representation for the 12 year old.
The CPA it seems has custody of the child. The CPA, no doubt under duress from the recent revelations about the subject Minister, may want to reassure the public about the legal representation for this child.
Yours faithfully,
Vidyaratha Kissoon
