Suriname’s Justice and Police Minister Kenneth Amoksi admitted that police were not well prepared for the looting of a group of protesters on Friday. The minister said this during a press conference on Saturday morning.
Amoksi said a road map for the demonstration had been made, but things changed during the day. “We may not have anticipated this excess enough, we need to be able to prevent it in the future and prevent as many casualties as possible,” the minister said.
It was soon clear to Amoksi that the looting and chaos were coordinated actions by the rioters. According to him, this was clearly visible in the course of the actions. “Collectively and simultaneously, one can only conclude that it is planned,” the minister said.
Commendable
Suriname National Army Commander Colonel Werner Kioe A Sen called it “commendable that all services operated within limits”. He said the services remained calm and stressed that no deaths had occurred.
Amoksi said the police force will soon have more equipment available, including for the mobile unit.
Paramaribo city center will remain closed for the time being and only local traffic will be allowed. Shops are to remain closed in the capital, as well as in the adjacent Wanica neighborhood. Public services, government buildings, banks and the media are under close surveillance by the security services and checkpoints have been set up at strategic locations.
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
