Deleted Post by Minister’s Brother Sparks Double Standards Debate

As the debate continues over Alberto August’s arrest, attention did shift toward comments made by Brian Mira, the brother of Police Minister Oscar Mira.  In a Facebook post that was later deleted, Brian Mira described Alberto August as “disgusting” before stating that he would “take a charge” if he encountered him.  The statement immediately generated backlash online. Some Belizeans interpreted the remark as a threat or an indication of willingness to commit violence against August. Others have argued that the post could simply reflect anger and emotional frustration and should not necessarily be interpreted literally. Still, the controversy has fueled wider accusations of selective enforcement and double standards, with curiosity now lingering on whether authorities will examine Brian Mira’s comments with the same urgency used against Alberto August.  Attorney Michael Peyrefitte addressed both Facebook posts today, arguing that the state appears to be selectively deciding which speech deserves criminal scrutiny and which does not.

Michael Peyrefitte, Attorney / Former Police Minister:  “Brian Mira, Alberto August’s nemesis and Oscar Mira’s brother put up a post said “If I see him I would catch a charge.” Meaning what ? Now how could you interpret that? Brian Mira is saying if I see Alberto August I’m going to do something criminally to him that would be wrong and so he’s not arrested for that. He’s not being detained for that. You don’t have six policemen at his house trying to arrest him and put him in jail for the weekend. So there is the imbalance.”

Alberto August: “I see the brother, like you guys mentioned, the brother talked about taking a charge for me. It’s a serious…. I am hoping we’re talking about maybe a cyber charge because then he doesn’t have to be in close proximity with me. But who you talk about taking a charge, a charge could extend to even a capital charge you know ? And a capital charge is murder. So it’s not a light threat. But I am wondering I hear people are talking about probably proceeding by way of a suit against him but you know some of our skin is thick, but I will be extra cautious when I’m around in any area.”

For August’s charge, he is slated to appear in court tomorrow morning in San Ignacio Town.