00:00Prime Minister Kamala Passat-Visasa is defending police actions and condemning protesters who gathered outside the DPP's office in support
00:08of Kaia Sili.
00:10The protests, part of the 19 bullets, 19 protests campaign, went ahead despite warnings from the Trinidad and Tobago Police
00:17Service
00:18that public demonstrations in the area were prohibited under current state of emergency regulations.
00:24Speaking with the Express, the Prime Minister accused demonstrators of trying to provoke officers and manufacture controversy.
00:32Passat-Visasa said, quote,
00:33If you are referring to the attempted protest today, the law-abiding citizens of our country fully well know that
00:40the whole intent was publicity farming.
00:42It was intended to provoke the police, hoping to escalate the situation and get a response and to then claim
00:50victim status, end quote.
00:52Passat-Visasa questioned why protesters had not mobilized against violent crime over the last decade, pointing to the country's murder
00:59rate.
01:00She said, quote, 5,000 plus people have been murdered in the past 10 years, but we never see these
01:06grifters protesting against the gangs and telling the violent criminals, hands up, don't shoot, end quote.
01:13The Prime Minister said her administration would continue working alongside law enforcement to restore safety and order.
01:20She also warned that while citizens are free to protest, they must do so within the law, explaining they are
01:28free to protest near areas not listed in the schedule.
01:32Kaya Seeley is facing several charges, including manslaughter, in connection with the death of her partner, Joshua Samaru, who was
01:40shot by police after pursuit in January.
01:43Seeley is currently abroad.
01:44Meanwhile, Passat-Visasa insisted democracy remains intact, saying lawful protests continue across the country with police protection.
01:53She said, quote, nurses, teachers unions, NGOs, political parties have been protesting over the last year with the protection of
02:01the TTPS.
02:02Lawful protests occur almost every week, end quote.
02:06The Prime Minister also praised officers for maintaining order during Wednesday's demonstration, noting that no members of the police service
02:14were harmed.
02:15Full details from Express journalist Anna Ramdas in tomorrow's Express newspaper.
02:20And in a subsequent WhatsApp message, the Prime Minister advised protesters that they ought to also shout, hands up, don't
02:29shoot at police.
02:33The TV6 People Meter, brought to you by XL Health TT, the official supplements of the CPS.
02:43That takes us to our People Meter.
02:46We ask, do you share the Prime Minister's views about today's protest outside the office of the DPP?
02:53To vote text yes or no to the number 766-4886 or 766-4TV6.
02:59And we'll have the results for you at the end of the newscast.
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