Region 8 Councillor charged in connection with Mahdia road protest

Last Updated on Tuesday, 5 August 2014, 20:00 by GxMedia

The Alliance For Change’s (AFC) Councillor in Region 8, who was arrested in connection with a protest march against the extremely poor condition of roads in Mahdia, on Tuesday vowed to continue agitation moments after he was released on station bail.

“I wasn’t scared because i was trying to do things to benefit the community. I am not giving up. I planning to go back,” Naieem Gafoor told Demerara Waves Online News.

Gafoor said he was charged with obstructing traffic and illegal procession after he refused a request by police for him to ask protesters to cease blocking the airstrip road. “I refuse to instruct the people to remove the wood. I can’t go and tell the people that.  I will get beat up,” he said.

Gafoor said he was taken into custody about 4:30 Monday afternoon, charged and released on GUY$18,000 station bail about 3 PM Tuesday. He has to report to the police on August 11.

Gafoor said he was the only person arrested.

At least 14 members of the Police Force’s riot squad arrived early Tuesday morning and, in collaboration with police at Mahdia, removed obstructions on the airstrip road.

The Region 8 Councillor said he was surprised that the police arrested and charged him because the march was accompanied by police and there was no incident.

Demerara Waves Online News was told that organisers did not receive police permission for the march.

Region 8 is controlled by the AFC.