Guyana Local Gov’t Minister accused of sexual assault released on bail

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Embattled Local Government and Regional Development Minister in Guyana, Nigel Dharamlall, has been placed on $1 million station bail after he was arrested on Monday in connection with allegations of sexual assault of a 16-year-old schoolgirl.

Police had arrested the minister, who has since gone on leave to facilitate the probe, when he presented himself at the Brickdam Police Station in the company of his attorney, Nigel Hughes.

Hughes, a prominent civil and criminal lawyer, said that his client was not questioned during the eight-hour-long detention.

“An allegation was put to him, consequently he was a suspect, so the opportunity for cooperation did not arise,” Hughes said, adding that Dharamlall is expected to return to police on Tuesday morning at which time the defence team would provide evidence that he did not commit the act he has been accused of.

“Through his counsel, we informed the police that we are in possession of evidence which contradicts the allegation and will be providing that to them today,” Hughes said.

On Sunday, President Irfaan Ali said that he has “no problem” with a request made by Dharamlall to proceed on leave to facilitate the investigation.

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