Trinidad and Tobago ends state of emergency after 16 months, 5,800 arrests

Trinidad and Tobago ended a lengthy state of emergency on Thursday, with authorities on alert for possible violence. The measure, in place for 16 of the last 20 months, allowed detention of security threats. Over 5,800 people were arrested, with 2,250 still not charged. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said threats were substantially reduced. Activists and lawyers criticized mass arrests and treatment of detainees, including blindfolding and shackling. The opposition called it a failure. Some detainees' families hope for reunions. The government may face legal challenges.