Phillip questions ‘differing’ police response to protests

Activist Alyssa Phillip has voiced strong concerns over what she perceives as a biased and inconsistent approach by the police in managing public demonstrations. Phillip pointed to contrasting police actions at recent events, questioning the differential treatment of various groups seeking to express their views.

Phillip cited an example where a planned "walk for peace" on Piccadilly Street in Port of Spain, organized by the Peace Foundation TT, was reportedly prevented by officers. She contrasted this with a candlelight vigil held the same day in San Juan by the People's National Movement (PNM), where she claimed no similar intervention occurred. Phillip noted that social media influencer Mouttxt was stopped from speaking during the peace walk, while political figure Fuad Abu Bakr was allowed to conduct an interview in the same vicinity without police interference.

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Monkey really know which tree to climb

"They run home everybody that came to the peaceful walk like dogs, go home!" Phillip stated, expressing frustration over the perceived heavy-handedness against some participants. She clarified that her comments were not advocating for the dispersal of any gathering but aimed to highlight unequal treatment. Phillip asserted that all citizens, irrespective of their political affiliation or public standing, possess the right to voice their opinions.

Furthermore, Phillip addressed the arrest of a young man associated with a protest movement she is involved in. She rejected attempts to link his alleged comments to the broader movement, identifying herself, Camille Caresquero, and Mariah Walcott as organizers of the "19 Bullets, 19 Protests" campaign. Phillip stated that the views of one individual do not represent the organizers or supporters, emphasizing the campaign's commitment to peaceful advocacy and accountability, transparency, and justice.

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Mouttxt was on an interview today (Wednesday) at what was supposed to be a peaceful walk...an officer told him ‘he have no permission to speak’...moments earlier, Fuad Abu Bakr was on an interview in the same vicinity...they ain’t say a word to him. They run home everybody that came to the peaceful walk like dogs...go home!