We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Member of Parliament Natasha Singh was taken away by police on Friday evening following a search of her residence at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD), during which several electronic devices were confiscated.
The operation was conducted under a search warrant that reportedly referred to an investigation involving a suspected terrorism-related offence.
Opposition parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul, who was present during the operation, said investigators removed four computers, seven cellular phones, several flash drives and a drone reportedly belonging to one of Singh’s in-laws.
According to Mahipaul, he had visited Singh’s home to collect a book when police arrived. At Singh’s request, he remained at the residence and witnessed the officers executing the warrant.
During a live broadcast of the operation, an officer was heard informing Singh that police were authorised to search the house and yard for computers, cellular phones, SIM cards, documents and other internet-enabled devices that could be connected to the commission of an alleged terrorism offence.
Officers subsequently searched several areas of the property, including furniture and other household items, as they looked for material potentially relevant to their investigation.
Singh was permitted to accompany the ranks while they conducted the search.
During the operation, Singh claimed that officers had initially attempted to force their way into her home after receiving no response at the door. She explained that she had been praying when the police arrived.
“When you were trying to break my door, I was praying. It is my prayer time,” she told the officers.
Attorney-at-Law Roysdale Forde, who communicated with Singh during the live broadcast, advised her to cooperate with the execution of the search warrant.
Forward Guyana Movement leader Amanza Walton-Desir was also present for part of the police operation.
Following the search and seizure of the electronic equipment, Singh was taken away by investigators.
Meanwhile, WIN General Secretary Odessa Primus criticised the operation, alleging that the authorities were increasingly targeting opposition politicians.
In a statement, Primus expressed concern about the detention of elected representatives and what she described as continued pressure on political opponents.
“A functioning democracy cannot survive when the Leader of the Opposition and opposition Members of Parliament face relentless harassment, arbitrary detention, and exclusion from legislative proceedings,” Primus said.
She further alleged that the use of state authority against opposition figures threatened democratic governance.
