The Guyana government is turning to the United States for help in bringing legal action against New York-based Guyanese political activist, Rickford Burke. They accuse him of various offenses committed via social media, including inciting racial hostilities and advocating for widespread violence.
In a statement released by the Attorney General’s Chambers, the Guyanese administration expressed their intent to collaborate with U.S. authorities. “These authorities have been invited to explore all mutual legal facilities available in ensuring that these allegations are fully investigated and the relevant criminal proceedings instituted in both jurisdictions in order to ensure that justice is done in accordance with law,” the statement read.
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This move appears to be a response to a complaint Burke filed with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), alleging persecution by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali’s administration. On July 27, 2024, the Guyanese government submitted a comprehensive report against Burke to several U.S. agencies, including the Department of Justice, the State Department, and the FBI.
The report alleges that Burke has been involved in activities such as criminal incitements, fostering racial tensions, promoting domestic terrorism, and launching defamatory attacks against numerous reputable Guyanese citizens.
Addressing Burke’s claims of persecution, the Guyanese government firmly denied any wrongdoing. They provided details of an incident where a police officer traveled to the U.S. to serve a summons to Burke. Contrary to Burke’s claims of an attempted kidnapping, the administration clarified that the officer employed a licensed process server to deliver the summons while maintaining a distance of over 100 feet, ensuring the process was recorded.
Furthermore, the Guyanese government has urged the FBI to investigate what they term as Burke’s “baseless, false, and malicious complaint,” advocating for appropriate action against him for filing such reports. They’re also seeking legal counsel from U.S.-based lawyers to address these allegations.
Reacting to the government’s statements, Burke didn’t mince words, labeling their claims as “mendacious.” He challenged Attorney General Anil Nandlall, stating, “I live in America, I have free speech, I don’t break the law, I am an outstanding, exemplary citizen of this country.”
Burke vehemently denied any involvement in extortion, retorting, “I don’t extort anybody, they do.” He dared the Attorney General to produce evidence supporting these accusations and dismissed claims of advocating for violence.
As tensions escalate, it remains to be seen how this transnational legal and political battle will unfold.
