police open fire on APNU Marchers

From Demera Waves Police Tuesday morning opened fire with rubber bullets and teargas on supporters of the opposition coalition APNU who proceeded on a march down Brickdam without the required permission to do so. At least four persons were reportedly arrested including attorney-at-law James Bond and retired brigadier Eddie Collins, both of whom were reportedly injured when the lawmen opened fire. Eight students and a teacher from St. Sidwell's Primary School in Hadfield Street were also affected by teargas and were taken to the hospital as was APNU member Lurlene Nestor.  The crowd and police had been awaiting word from a meeting between Bond and 'A' Division Commander George Vyphius but moments later the protesters decided to move off. A hastily-formed human barricade outside the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission's office could not contain the marchers who headed down Brickdam while the police awaited further instructions. Moments later a truck carrying police in riot gear proceeded the mass down the thoroughfare.   However, the crowd attempted to push past a police cordon in the vicinity of the Louisa Row despite police warnings. They were ordered to disperse and go to their places of abode but did not heed the instructions leading to the police action.   The crowd then headed back up Hadfield Street to the Square of the Revolution where the carts and mobile stalls of vendors were seized.  "We are not going to take this lying down because this is a declaration of war on people who have a right to protest," APNU's David Hinds stated afterward. He added that the police' action was unprovoked since the people had been marching peacefully. "There is nothing illegal about people protesting during elections. It is not illegal to exercise your legal and human right to occupy public space," the political scientist said.     According to Hinds, the people's votes were not honestly counted and they hold President Donald Ramotar responsible. About 300 protesters had gathered at the Square for a march but they were told by the police that they did not have permission to march. A police officer urging the people to disperse Hinds had appealed to Police Officer Watts to strike a compromise by guaranteeing the protection of the protesters.  "We are exercising a lot of restraint at the same time" Watts told Hinds.  He wants the people to disperse. "Its unlawful, disperse." Hinds had said that he would advise the people to be orderly and that "politically, it's not a breach of the peace." "I want to get from you that these people will be protected. It is quite normal for citizens to congregate in a public place." "We have at present a situation that we have to diffuse. What I want from you all is cooperation to disperse," the police stated. Watts had also threatened to arrest persons and let the court deal with the matter. At the time APNU's Nestor insisted that permission was granted but later withdrawn. Police say they have to apply for permission one day at a time.  The APNU has been pushing for a reconciliation of the Statements of Poll from last week's elections saying there were too many discrepancies.