The United Progressive is condemning what it says was the indiscriminate tear-gassing of the group of protesters calling themselves the Freedom Fighters for Antigua and Barbuda, by the Riot Squad on August 8.
The use of tear-gas against defenceless men, women and children was unwarranted, excessive, and a mockery of the Police’s duty to be peace-keepers first – even in adverse situations, says UPP Leader Harold Lovell.
At no time was the safety of the gathering compromised by disorderly behaviour, or breaches of the COVID-19 protocols or threats against the Police Lovell said.
And, therefore, the officers’ use of such force which, easily, could have turned deadly was uncalled for, he added
Meanwhile, the Democratic National Alliance is also denouncing what it describes as the excessive use of force and the unprovoked responses by law enforcement officers meted out protesters on August 8.
The Party says in a callous and vain display of state power, the brutal and oppressive crackdown on peaceful protestors at the hands of officers in riot gear, was irresponsible and was executed indiscriminately, without care, compassion or concern for the protestors.
Leader of the DNA, Joanne Massiah, expresses while she understands that a state of emergency is in effect; this does not mean that all rights of citizens are suspended.
