The Leader of the Opposition has responded strongly to the High Court's recent ruling, which deemed the 2020 State of Emergency (SOE) detentions unconstitutional. This landmark decision affirmed the rights of citizens, revealing that sixteen Belizean men were unlawfully detained without judicial oversight, violating their constitutional protections.
In a statement posted on social media, the opposition leader praised the ruling as a crucial reminder that the rule of law should never be suspended without valid justification. She stressed that emergency powers are not a blank check and must be exercised with caution, transparency, and a full commitment to human rights.
"The rule of law should never be suspended without valid justification," the statement emphasized. "Emergency powers must be implemented transparently, with constitutional protections in place, and with full respect for the rights of citizens." This statement was issued as the government continues to announce new states of emergency in response to increasing crime and public safety issues. Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader cautioned against the potential misuse of these powers, urging strict adherence to the constitution to prevent arbitrary detention from becoming a state tool.
She urged the government to promptly pay the damages awarded by the court to the unlawfully detained men and to guarantee the protection of the constitutional rights of all Belizeans in the future. The High Court's ruling not only granted financial compensation to the affected individuals but also emphasized the essential role of judicial oversight whenever emergency powers are invoked.
