Guyanese in US Urged to Advocate for Melissa Atwell-Holder’s Release
Melissa Atwell-Holder was arrested in the US, with supporters rallying for her release, alleging the Guyana government’s involvement. Opposition leaders, including Aubrey Norton, called for international lobbying while denouncing the government’s actions as a threat to free speech. The rally continues next Tuesday, emphasizing the need for collective resistance against injustice.
On Tuesday evening, a significant supporter gathering took place at the Square of the Revolution, aimed at advocating for the release of social and political activist Melissa Atwell-Holder from US detention. Activists rallied under the slogan “free Melly Mel,” asserting that her arrest stemmed from complaints filed by the Guyana Government in retaliation for her outspoken criticism.
Atwell-Holder was apprehended by the Department of Homeland Security at her New York residence and subsequently transferred to a facility operated by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. The Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, indicated that her detention was directly linked to her revelations of government corruption, stating, “Melissa’s only crime is that she exposed crime. Melissa’s only crime is that she exposed corruption… she affects their production.”
Norton called for an international campaign, urging Guyanese residing in the United States to mobilize and lobby their political representatives for Atwell-Holder’s release. He emphasized, “This fight is also in the United States… She committed no crime because all she was doing was exposing criminals.” He cautioned that her situation could set a concerning precedent for future dissenters.
Support was also expressed by Opposition Member of Parliament Amanza Walton-Desir, who insisted that safeguarding democracy in Guyana requires unity and determination. She asserted that the government is responsible for Atwell-Holder’s detention, implicating President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo directly.
Norris Witter, President of the Guyana Trades Union Congress, highlighted the broader implications of injustice, quoting Martin Luther King Jr.: “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Supporters, such as Odessa Primus, reinforced the call for resistance against governmental injustices, characterizing the administration as oppressive.
Atwell-Holder is scheduled to appear before a US Immigration Judge in June, with a bond hearing anticipated beforehand. Advocates maintain that her arrest was prompted by the Guyana Government’s grievances concerning her public criticisms, which they deemed a threat. The rally promoting her cause will recur next Tuesday, maintaining momentum for her release efforts.
The mobilization of supporters for Melissa Atwell-Holder underscores a pivotal struggle against perceived political repression in Guyana. Through calls from leaders like Aubrey Norton and Amanza Walton-Desir, there is a clear recognition that her release is intertwined with broader issues of free speech and governmental accountability. The continuous rallying efforts reflect a commitment to resist any erosion of democracy and justice in the nation.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
