Activists rallied at the Square of the Revolution to demand the release of Melissa Atwell-Holder from U.S. detention, accusing the Guyanese Government of instigating her arrest due to her anti-corruption activism. Leaders called for mobilization of Guyanese in the United States to lobby political representatives for her release, framing the incident as an assault on free speech and democracy.
The Square of the Revolution was the site of a significant rally where supporters of social and political activist Melissa Atwell-Holder, also known as Melly Mel, gathered to demand her release from U.S. detention. Activists contend that the Government of Guyana played a role in her arrest by filing complaints related to her critical views of the administration. Atwell-Holder was detained by the Department of Homeland Security in New York and subsequently transferred to a facility operated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency.
Aubrey Norton, the Leader of the Opposition, addressed the crowd, emphasizing that Atwell-Holder merely exposed governmental corruption. He stated, “Melissa’s only crime is that she exposed crime. Melissa’s only crime is that she exposed corruption.” Norton urged the Guyanese community in the U.S. to take action by lobbying their political representatives to advocate for her release, asserting that her detention represented a broader assault on free speech.
Norton encouraged attendees to mobilize family and friends to contact U.S. senators and congressional representatives, underscoring that the activist committed no crime and was merely revealing misconduct by the government. He cautioned that Atwell-Holder’s situation could set a precedent for future injustices.
Amanza Walton-Desir, an Opposition Member of Parliament, echoed Norton’s sentiments by declaring the fight for Atwell-Holder’s release as a fight for democracy. She stated, “an attack on Melly Mel, is an attack on free speech,” reinforcing the notion that the incident highlights risks to civil liberties under the current administration.
Walton-Desir specifically implicated President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in the orchestrated detention, articulating that their complaints led to Atwell-Holder’s arrest. The rally also featured Norris Witter, President of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), who quoted Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizing the global implications of injustice.
Supporters, including Atwell-Holder’s friend Odessa Primus, called for collective action against governmental injustices, stating, “We shall not be silenced by this government.” Primus described the government as fearful of exposing corruption, invoking a sense of urgency among supporters to unite for Atwell-Holder’s cause. While she is due to appear before a U.S. Immigration Judge in June, many are anticipating a bond hearing sooner. Many believe that her arrest stemmed from governmental efforts to silence her criticisms on social media. Further rallies are planned as support continues to grow for Atwell-Holder.
The gathering at the Square of the Revolution aims to amplify the campaign for the release of Melissa Atwell-Holder, highlighting accusations against the Government of Guyana for her detention. Leaders emphasize the necessity for mobilization within the diaspora to advocate for her freedom, framing the incident as a broader issue of defending democratic values and free speech. The commitment among supporters remains strong, with plans for continued rallies and public outcry against governmental abuses.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
