Gang Suppression Unit
The Gang Suppression Unit is a special unit of the Belize Police Department, formed in 2010.
History
In 2011 and 2012, the GSU was involved in a number of controversial raids. In March 2011, the nephew of PUP supporter Yolanda Schakron was delivering goods to a wake for purported gang leader Charles Woodeye; he got caught up in a sweep conducted by police officers who had been trailing the funeral march, and one of them broke his arm with a baseball bat.[4] Then in February 2012, a group of men invaded a home on Dean Street and beat its residents with bats and clubs, leaving four injured, while soon after, a group of men at Taylor's Alley were also beaten. Commander Marco Vidal initially attempted to deny involvement of his officers, but PM Barrow stated that he believed the GSU was involved.[5]
There were various responses to the controversies. Taylor's Alley residents rejected the government's apology.
References
- ^ Ramos, Adele (2010-06-04). "Crime crisis: Barrow takes charge". Amandala. Retrieved 2012-04-22.
- ^ "Newly appointed Minister of Police and Public Safety says he will import former chief of police". News 5 Belize. 2010-06-09. Retrieved 2012-04-22.
- ^ "G.S.U. supports preventative detention bill". News 5 Belize. 2011-05-17. Retrieved 2012-04-22.
- ^ Ortiz, Daniel (2011-03-08). "GSU goes berserk on George Street!". Amandala. Retrieved 2012-04-18.
- ^ "PM Barrow Says He Suspects that GSU Was Involved in GSG Beatdown". 7 News Belize. 2012-02-13. Retrieved 2012-04-22.
- ^ "Taylor's Alley residents say government apology falls short". News 5 Belize. 2012-04-12. Retrieved 2012-04-29.
- ^ "GSU unleashes 'beat down' on Taylor's Alley residents". Belize Times. 2012-03-30. Archived from the original on 2012-05-09. Retrieved 2012-04-22.
- ^ Humes, Aaron (2012-02-24). "A tale of two manifestos". Amandala. Retrieved 2012-04-22.
- ^ "Minister of National Security, nevertheless, supports GSU". News 5 Belize. 2012-04-12. Retrieved 2012-04-29.
- ^ "Antivirus Founder, John McAfee, says politics caused GSU raid". News 5 Belize. 2012-05-02. Archived from the original on 2012-05-05. Retrieved 2012-05-04.