No permit for rally at Kerkplein: Opposition takes legal action

The request for a permit to hold a rally at Kerkplein on May 20 that had been filed by the Progressive Reform Party (VHP), the National Party Suriname (NPS), Pertjajah Luhur (PL) and the General Liberation and Development Party (ABOP) was denied on Thursday. VHP Chairman Chandrikapersad Santokhi confirmed the reports and told Times of Suriname that the request was denied even though the police had no objections. “We will protest against this and we will also take legal action,” said Santokhi who is also a member of the opposition in Parliament. The 4 opposition parties which are reportedly discussing the issue with their legal teams had initially requested a permit to hold a rally at the Independence Square. After their first request had been denied , they decided to opt for another location namely Kerkplein because many people flock to that spot. The request to rally at the Independence Square was denied because officials claim that the square is in a bad shape. MP Santokhi called that reason a fallacy. He made it clear that the people have the right to go to the Independence Square. “We are looking for public places in the city center. The big crowd must be visible,” said Santokhi who added that the rally is aimed at sending a clear message to the government. “The government had the majority of seats in Parliament but it lacks the political support of the people.”