In our headline, we told you about the cops who were charged for contrabanding in the Orange Walk District. But, before that story of lawless police behaviour, there was the incident from San Pedro, early last Saturday morning. You'll know it well as the confrontation between the police and San Pedro residents that was caught on camera. That footage showed how police officers assaulted a woman and then recklessly fired police issued handguns, injuring persons who were present at the time.
Well, the woman, whose distress angered the retiring club-goers, has come forward to speak with the media. She identified herself only as Ms. Bardalez, and she is particularly upset that the police suggested that she was hard to find, and that's why they couldn't get her statement.
Earlier this week, she spoke with our colleagues Krem News by telephone to share her outrage at the assault she suffered. Here's what she had to say:
Voice of: Abused Woman
"I don't know, because they say they were looking for me and that I am an immigrant. Where do I come from Guatemala, El Salvador or those places there? I am a black girl. I am not Hispanic. I was right at my apartment and the police works there and the security guards knows where I am staying."
Reporter
"So you are requesting court action?"
Voice of: Abused Woman
"Yes, I am requesting court action. I am not a man to have the police beat me like a man. They can't beat a man like the way they beat me."
Reporter
"What are your views in relation to the arraignment of these two officers who went to court yesterday? They received bail in the sum of one thousand dollars or so."
Voice of: Abused Woman
"I guess the system will always be the system in Belize City. Police doesn't give a damn about us. When the police do wrong, they help each other to get out again."
Reporter
"Is this the first time that something like this has happened to you, that you have had a run-in with police? The way they were speaking about you, they wanted to imply that you were a "trouble" girl."
Voice of: Abused Woman
"This is the first time. That's why when I listened to the police officer who was talking, I was like "really.""
Reporter
"What would you want to see come out of this case?"
Voice of: Abused Woman
"They will not get away. They could get a bail of one thousand dollars, but I swear they will not get away. I watch the video every day, every minute - to see a man beat up me, and not even the police who slap me - he didn't get charge."
Reporter
"Its 3 officers who attacked you and only 2 of them have been charged."
Voice of: Abused Woman
"Yup."
On Tuesday, she gave a statement to Assistant Police Commissioner Keith Lino, and she is waiting for the Professional Standards Branch to take action against the officers.
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