Georgetown, Guyana — A familiar face in political mobilisation circles, Bradley Sampson, better known as “Doggie”, made his first court appearance today following a tense confrontation at the Square of the Revolution earlier this week.
Sampson, a prominent activist and organiser linked to the group We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer a slew of charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a weapon with intent to cause public terror, disorderly behaviour, threatening language, obscene language, and unlawful wounding.
The charges stem from a dispute that unfolded on Tuesday during a political gathering organised by WIN, a group led businessman Azruddin Mohamed. According to police, Sampson allegedly assaulted a woman with a firearm during a row over payments.
Eyewitnesses say the atmosphere at the Square quickly turned chaotic as frustrations boiled over among marchers who claimed they were underpaid or not paid at all. Videos widely circulated on social media show a heated argument, during which Sampson was seen at the centre of the altercation.
Moments later, it’s alleged he pulled a weapon during the exchange.The woman at the heart of the incident later reported the matter to police, triggering an investigation that led to Sampson being declared wanted.
He surrendered on Wednesday with his attorney present.In court today, the presiding magistrate was informed that the complainant no longer wished to pursue the matter. Still, police prosecutors opted to move forward with the charges, citing the seriousness of the alleged offences and public interest.
Sampson was granted $270,000 bail and is expected to return to court on August 15.Though Sampson has long been viewed as a force behind WIN’s street presence, this incident has placed his activism under a harsher light.
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