Government legislators have condemned last Friday’s storming of Suriname’s National Assembly with President Chandrikapersad Santokhi reiterating that those involved in the action are being tracked down and will be brought to justice.
“All institutions of the rule of law are functioning. The home of democracy has been attacked, but democracy is functioning,” President Santokhi said as legislators resumed debate on the budget that had been interrupted by the last weekend disturbances that resulted in several people being injured and more than 100 others arrested.
Thousands of demonstrators descended on the capital protesting against the policies of the government including the removal of subsidies on several items, including hydro and thermal energy, which the government said will result in savings of approximately US$10.9 million annually.
Assembly President, Marinus Bee, likened the storming of the Assembly to a tropical storm that swept through the building saying no rest period will be introduced and the budget debate will continue.
Vice President Dew Sharman noted that any action must be within the bounds of law and order, adding that the attack on the ‘House of the People’ cannot be justified.
Several legislators and opposition parties while supporting the protest action have condemned the looting and violence which followed, adding that such scenes must never be repeated.
“Citizens have the democratic right to express their dissatisfaction, because of the deteriorating living conditions of large parts of society. Suriname is almost no longer livable. We are sliding down every day,” said Rabin Parmessar, the leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP) in the Parliament.
“Since the start of this government, there have been various friendly protests, however, it appears that the government does not pay enough attention to the needs of the people. Until the eve of the announced protest, a further fuel increase was mercilessly pushed through,” he added.
Parmessa has also called for a thorough investigation into the police’s actions against party member Ebu Jones, even as the government maintained that the law enforcement agencies had dealt properly with the protest.
Chandrikapersad Santokhi said the organizers of the protest had been informed beforehand they would have been allowed to engage in peaceful protest.
But he said the investigations so far have shown this was not the case and as a result, all individuals involved in the “escalation” will be held accountable.
He said calm has now returned and the government is guaranteeing the safety of the citizens and the dialogue with various social groups will be intensified.
CMC/
