One day before supporters of Kaia Sealy planned to assemble outside the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to protest, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) announced yesterday that no permission had been requested or granted for the event.While the TTPS did not state it was referring to the Sealy protest planned for 4 p.m. today, it said in a release that under the legal framework of the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2026, currently in effect with the ongoing state of emergency (SoE), people who chose to gather today may be placing themselves at legal risk.In the release signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Suzette Martin, the TTPS said it acknowledged concerns being expressed by members of the public regarding recent developments in the high-profile matter currently ­under investigation.The Police Service said it recognised and respected the constitutional right of citizens to express their views and engage in peaceful protest and lawful public demonstration. However, the TTPS reminded the public that the country remained under a state of emergency and that certain legal provisions were in effect in the interest of public safety, peace and national security.The TTPS referred to Section 11 of the Emergency Powers Regulations, which states that no person shall endeavour, whether orally or otherwise, to influence public opinion in a manner likely to be ­prejudicial to public safety.Police said under the Emergency Powers Regulations, the TTPS had expanded authority to prohibit, restrict and disperse gatherings where there was a threat to public order, safety or national security.The TTPS warned that any attempt to assemble in protest without authorisation during the SoE would be regarded as a violation of the law, adding that immediate enforcement action would be taken, including dispersal, arrests and prosecution of organisers and participants.According to the release, police resources will be deployed to prevent any unlawful assembly at the proposed location.The TTPS urged members of the public to act responsibly and refrain from unlawful conduct, adding that there were lawful channels available to address concerns.DCP Martin said the TTPS remained committed to protecting the rights of citizens while ensuring public safety and stability during the state of emergency.‘Intimidation tactics at work’Protest organiser Alyssa Phillip yesterday accused the TTPS of using intimidation tactics against demonstrators supporting Sealy following the issuing of arrest warrants in connection with the January 20 police-involved shooting incident in St Augustine which left her common-law husband Joshua Samaroo dead.Phillip told the Express she believed the actions and statements of the police were intended to discourage public demonstrations linked to the case involving Sealy and the death of Samaroo.“This is blatant intimidation tactics at work. We are literally fighting against the State themselves,” Phillip said.She also referred to comments made by Prime Minister Kamla ­Persad-Bissessar regarding support for police officers involved in the ­matter.“The PM said she supports the police officers in their decision concerning the Joshua and Kaia case. This alone should tell you they will do anything they can to silence us,” Phillip said.She maintained that organisers had complied with legal requirements governing public demonstrations.“To address the legality of it, according to Section 109 of the Summary Offences Act, you do not need permission for a peaceful, standstill protest. You only need to send notice at least 48 hours in advance,” she said.She also challenged suggestions that the state of emergency prohibited public protest activities.“An SoE does not prevent you from protesting,” Phillip said.She referred to last Sunday’s protest near the Police Administration Building in Port of Spain and disputed police claims that officers had dispersed demonstrators.“When they said that they had to disperse the crowd, which was a lie, because they did not disperse the crowd,” she said.Phillip said the protest continued without interruption and ended peacefully. “If you were looking at my ‘live’ for yourself, you would know that the protest continued on and we ended in prayer, singing gospel, and ended by telling people thank you for coming out and when the next protest would be,” she said.Phillip said organisers had been holding demonstrations since February 1 and were accustomed to ­police scrutiny. “I am accustomed to this; we have been doing this since February 1. It is now May 26,” she said.Phillip emphasised that another protest remained planned and active, adding that notice had already been sent to police.“I would have sent them the notice for this since Saturday. And they responded saying they received it,” she said.—Alexander Bruzual