POLICE Commissioner Gary Griffith says he has taken note of unsubstantiated comments of UNC Oropouche MP Dr Roodal Moonilal who said that people who speak out against the government faced persecution from the police.
Speaking at the UNC’s Monday Night Forum at the Debe High School, Moonilal mentioned the arrest of Public Service Association President Watson Duke and warned that more arrests were coming.
He said, “Understand what is happening here. Persons who make statements about what is happening here, now face persecution on charged of sedition and treason and all types of things.”
But in a statement on Tuesday, Griffith said it was reckless and irresponsible for someone to go on a political platform and suggest that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) could be directed, influenced or manipulated by any political party to engage in wrongdoing.
He said Moonilal should be aware that before he became police commissioner, he could not be influenced, manipulated or directed by any third party, nor would he have the TTPS operate in any similar manner.
Griffith said citizens have a democratic right to voice their concerns, however, it does not give any citizen the ultimate right to do anything which could affect national security or commit acts that break the law.
He said, “The TTPS is not and would not be used by any political party, but would act in accordance with its roles and functions to enforce the law.
“People cannot break the law and then try to justify it by accusing the police of witch-hunting.”
He said the Police Service was an independent body that will operate without fear or favour to ensure laws were enforced.
