PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Two students from the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) were released on TT$5 000 ( bail each, after they appeared in court yesterday on several charged following a demonstration by students on Thursday.
The students, Nathaniel John and Brian Richards, who are due to re-appear in court on November 16, have been charged with resisting arrest, assault and disorderly conduct.
They were among hundreds of students who were protesting the alleged attempted rape of a female student earlier this week.
The UWI said initial investigations had indicated that there was no evidence of an attempted rape of a female student but at a Students Guild meeting on Thursday, the students took to blocking the entrance of the university and calling on the authorities to outline the plans for their security.
President of the Students Guild, Darrion Narine said the police used excessive force in breaking up the demonstration and likened the situation to police brutality.
He said if such police force was used on students what would be the consequences for persons in “marginalised communities.
“We have to start addressing this as a nation with regards to police brutality,” he said.
But Police Commissioner Gary Griffth dismissed the allegation saying the police responded to what was unfolding at the institution because the students were breaking the law. (CMC)
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