AG warns media to beware of tricksters who may falsely claim brutality

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan told reporters Friday the government has established a high-powered legal team to represent the State in the cases of persons held during the State of Emergency.

The government has already appointed a Tribunal chaired by Senior Counsel Gilbert Petersen to deal with the grievances of detainees.

The AG told reporters that while Government has adhered to the rule of law during a State of Emergency the high-powered legal team will ensure that justice is done and the interest of the State is protected.

"I believe that those who are petitioning to seek their early release and those who are petitioning to get some form of mercy, that those matters deserve careful deliberation and consideration and the best possible legal representation on behalf of the State and the people of this country," Ramlogan said.

The Attorney General also urged members of the media to be cautious when receiving information on certain incidents of brutality. He added that there may be certain 'tricksters' who are bent on misleading the public.

"I have been receiving reports that there are people who are going up actually asking people in those communities whether they will take a little lash with a welt on their backs because the TV cameras coming and you have to say the police do it, or the soldiers do it," he said.

"I want to alert members of the media not to fall prey to these tricksters and what may very well be a hoax.

"I am not saying that there won't be incidents and casualties during a State of Emergency but what I am saying is that we have to be very, very careful that we are not being set up by the gang members and gang leaders who have influence over these communities and who are trying to win public sympathy and court public opinion in their favour by virtue of these underhand tactics," Ramlogan added.