Min. Parag to sue PNC/APNU for defamation

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, will be filing private legal action against the Peoples National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) for defamation via press release it issued on May 5, 2025.

The party’s statement accused the Minister of interfering in a matter before the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court, leading to the release of a suspect allegedly involved in the recent countrywide protests.

However, Parag in a statement categorically denied the accusations, noting that “the claim that I contacted or directed a judicial officer in the discharge of their functions is entirely false, malicious and fabricated.”

During his weekly programme “Issues in the News” on Tuesday evening, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall said, “she [Parag] will take private actions against the PNC [APNU] for tarnishing her character and accusing her of interfering and obstructing justice.”

He also pointed out that the Opposition’s statement is a direct attack on the judiciary and should be dealt with from that perspective.

“The judiciary will deal with the attack on the administration of justice by the PNC because this is a direct attack on the administration of justice,” Nandlall said.

The incident in question involves a man identified as Glenroy Fraser of Belladrum Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB). Fraser was at the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court simultaneously with individuals charged with terrorism relating to recent protest actions.

The APNU alleged that Fraser is a PPP activist and was released with instructions from Minister Parag to the Magistrate.

However, Fraser, in a subsequent social media post, explained that he was before the court for a matter “separate and completely unrelated to the illegal protests and unlawful activities” that occurred in West Berbice on the evening of April 28, 2025.

He said as a matter of fact, his case before the court began on September 11, 2024 and involves PNC activist Ivan Reynolds, who reportedly struck him while conducting business at Belladrum Secondary School compound.

In this regard, he called on the APNU to withdraw their “malicious, untruthful and factually incorrect press release” implicating him in protests and violence.

Minister Parag, in her earlier response, also pointed out that as an attorney-at-law by profession, she holds unwavering respect for the doctrine of separation of powers and the constitutional independence of the judiciary.

“Any suggestion that I would seek to influence the outcome of a judicial proceeding is not only deeply offensive, but also wholly incompatible with the principles I uphold,” the Minister said.

She also confirmed that she is consulting with legal counsel and will pursue appropriate legal action against the authors and disseminators of the “libellous and injurious publication.”