Last night on the news your heard members of the George Street Gang venting their anger against the government and make less than subtle threats against law and order, generally. Government issued an official release today - and we'll have that for you shortly. But before we get to that, one man you didn't hear from was the man whose jaw was broken by police. He told us his story today after he was released from the hospital today.
Monica Bodden
"Brian, tell me where were you on Friday when this incident occurred?"
Brian Henriquez, claims police brutality
"Well I was on George Street by the gate and I was having a little drink, and all of a sudden the officers they came and attacked me first and I fell in the drain, after I got hit in the mouth and afterward I was in the streets, and he ran back and actually came hand whack me again and asked me to get down. I was hearing gun shots and he kicked me in my chest and ran and started hurting other victims when they were doing nothing out here."
Monica Bodden
"The officer who came out of the vehicle and whapped you, do you recall with what?"
Brian Henriquez
"It was like a shiny object, but I really don't know what it was. He hit me twice, to my mouth on the same side, like he knew how the jaw structure needs to be broken. I just lay down and watched while they were going corruptive, like real demonic people, like take something for nothing in the wrong way."
Monica Bodden
"When did this happen, did they took you to the hospital the same night? That Friday night?"
Brian Henriquez
"Actually, it was not Friday night it was the next morning, it was Saturday morning."
Monica Bodden
"You were detained with a broken jaw over night?"
Brian Henriquez
"Unlawfully too."
Monica Bodden
"What's the extent of your injuries?"
Brian Henriquez
"Two broken jaws, I mean, one on the upper left side, and now I have to see a specialist about this one, and the other down on my chin - a minor one, but I still have to get the wiring and enough funds to fix it back."
And while George Street's soldiers and other continue to brood over the events of Friday night, police have finally issued a release. We will quote it extensively. It says, quote:
"The Ministry of Police and Public Safety feels it is necessary to share with the general public why it became necessary for the Police to take a tough stance against acts of gang violence over this past weekend. During a routine search for guns and grenades in the George Street area, the police came under assault by area residents and members of the George Street gang which escalated to damage of a police vehicle and the shooting up of the police station on West and Dean Street. Offenders also threw a Molotov cocktail (home-made explosive) at the police station."
It continues:
"The Police has evidence illustrating that, while in lock-down, gang members instructed other members to target Chinese grocers and other innocent Belizeans with a shooting spree to send a message of retaliation for their detention. As was displayed on the news last evening, George Street gang members openly threatened the lives of innocent Belizeans in retaliation for their detention and displayed a blatant disregard for life and authority."
It concludes:
"As Belizeans move into the September month of celebrations, the Police has already stepped up its intelligence gathering efforts and security on the streets of Belize City to ensure a peaceful time of celebration for all."
And it ends with a very disturbing bombshell - and we quote: "Unfortunately, the Police has received reliable information that rival gangs are in possession of grenades and has intentions to use them during the September celebrations. " The release finishes abruptly on that very dismal note with no additional information.
