THE People's National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) is urging Guyanese to protest, in all ways possible, against what it called the "continuing wanton disregard for human life by some elements of the Police Force".

In a statement yesterday, the PNC/R said it is appalled at the reaction of the Police Public Relations Department to the death last week of Mr. Brian King, who had been "shot at point blank range in his mouth by a member of the Force".

According to the main Opposition party, eyewitnesses “testify to the fact that King was unarmed and that he was killed in circumstances amounting to murder”.

"It is time that the Police Public Relations Department stop insulting the intelligence of the Guyanese public," PNC/R contended.

The party pointed out that the Department has "now belatedly issued a press release which promises an investigation into the matter, but which, in the same breath, trots out the tired excuse that the victim was armed with a cutlass and attacked the Policeman, thereby seeking to pre-empt the findings of an investigation by justifying the killing".

PNC/R said it continues to be dismayed at the thunderous silence of so-called civil society in the face of "these extra-judicial killings" by some elements of the Police Force and the brutality and impunity with which they are carried out.

"We had hoped that the new Commissioner of Police would have immediately impressed his authority on the Police Force and the public would have seen evidence of improved discipline, responsibility and professionalism."

"Unfortunately, this has not happened as yet, but we are still prepared to give the new Commissioner every support to bring about the much needed changes," it added.

The party is also urging the Police Commissioner to act promptly and courageously in "this matter, which has such serious implications for the welfare of the society and the development of our country".