Guyanese Rally in US Demands Release of Activist Melissa Atwell-Holder

A rally was held in Guyana calling for the release of Melissa Atwell-Holder, who is detained in the U.S. Supporters, including opposition leaders, accused the government of instigating her arrest due to her criticisms of corruption. They urged Guyanese in the U.S. to lobby for her freedom, asserting her innocence in a politically charged situation. The rally is set to continue next week, emphasizing the defense of free speech and democracy.

On Tuesday evening, a significant gathering took place at the Square of the Revolution, where numerous supporters rallied to demand the release of social and political activist Melissa Atwell-Holder, also known as Melly Mel, who is currently detained in the United States. Protesters raised chants of “free Melly Mel,” alleging that the Government of Guyana instigated her arrest by submitting complaints related to her outspoken criticism of the administration.

Melissa Atwell-Holder was apprehended at her residence in New York by the Department of Homeland Security and subsequently transferred to a facility operated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. The Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton, articulated that her actions exposing government corruption angered the administration led by President Irfaan Ali. He asserted, “Melissa’s only crime is that she exposed crime. Melissa’s only crime is that she exposed corruption.”

Norton emphasized the necessity for an international campaign by urging Guyanese residents in the United States to mobilize support and lobby their Senators and Congress members for Atwell-Holder’s release. He expressed, “This fight is also in the United States… it must be pointed out that she committed no crime because all she was doing was exposing criminals.”

Furthermore, Opposition Member of Parliament Amanza Walton-Desir resonated with the sentiments of the rally, underscoring the importance of preserving democracy and framing Atwell-Holder’s detention as an infringement on free speech. She attributed responsibility for the situation to government leaders, stating, “There is nothing you can tell me that her detention was not procured by Bharrat Jagdeo and Irfaan Ali.”

Norris Witter, President of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), underscored the broader implications of Atwell-Holder’s arrest by quoting Martin Luther King Jr., stating, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Odessa Primus, a close friend of Atwell-Holder, called for collective action against injustices, declaring, “We shall not be silenced by this government.”

Melissa Atwell-Holder is anticipated to appear before a U.S. Immigration Judge in June, with a bond hearing expected to occur beforehand. Many supporters assert that her arrest was instigated by government complaints regarding her social media statements and criticisms. The rally is scheduled to continue the following Tuesday, fostering ongoing support for Atwell-Holder.

In summary, the support rally for Melissa Atwell-Holder highlighted significant concerns regarding the actions of the Guyanese government and the implications of free speech. Opposition leaders called for mobilization among Guyanese in the U.S. to advocate for her release, framing her arrest as politically motivated. With ongoing demonstrations planned, the situation remains a focal point of activism against perceived governmental injustices.

Original Source: newssourcegy.com