The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) yesterday said it is probing a video that shows a soldier in uniform being beaten by a man.
The assailant disguised in a balaclava, was holding a knife and repeatedly throwing punches to the abdomen, face and head of the Guyana Defence Force rank who at intervals blocked the blows. In a statement, the GDF said that the soldier who was shown being beaten has been Away Without Leave for over a year. This raises questions as to when the video might have been made and what has become of the soldier.
In the video the assailant distinctly accused the soldier of “violating one of his gang affiliates” to which the army official in his defence attempted to give an explanation on what transpired but was repeatedly attacked by the man who goes by the name “Daniel”.
Another civilian in the video was heard saying to the supposed gang affiliate “Daniel, let that boy go! let that boy go! to which he (Daniel) refused and instead slapped and punched the soldier.
The terrified soldier pleaded for the blows to cease, but the assailant repeatedly attacked him and attempted to stab him. The soldier blocked the attempt.
In the video, the soldier was seen being carried out of a building by other supposed gang member.
The Guyana Defence Force in the statement yesterday said that it is conducting a thorough investigation into the video.
According to the GDF, “The soldier in question has been absent without leave (AWOL) for over one year”.
The statement said that “the GDF firmly condemns the actions seen in the video, and further, requests for any information relating to same, be provided”.
Against this background persons were advised to contact + 592 226- 9888.
