Stay home from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. Police to use batons

The police will reportedly use batons against people who violate the stay-at-home from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. rule. The stay-at-home rule is part of the government’s measures to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

Chief Inspector Humphrey Naarden, head of the Public Relations Office of the Police Force Suriname, told Times of Suriname that the police will use their batons to chase people who refuse to follow their orders off the streets. “The police do not want to do that. But it will happen if people do not want to comply with the rule which is aimed at preventing people from being infected with COVID-19.” Naarden explained that the batons will also be used to break up crowds. People who are arrested will be brought to the police stations. Naarden pointed out that even children are still on the streets during the partial lockdown. These children are reportedly between the ages 10 to 13. The police will also take firm action against them before taking them to the police station. If their parents appear on the street to look for them, they will also be brought to the police station. “The people will be kept at the police station until 6 a.m.” said Naarden who urged parents to act responsibly and to keep their children indoors during the partial lockdown. He also urged parents to also stay indoors. The chief inspector pointed out that the police went into several residential areas in the southern part of Paramaribo to explain to residents that they must stay in their houses during the lockdown. The message was spread in two languages namely Sranan and Aucan.