Mother of detained TikToker begs PM for mercy — hopes

The mother of Alianna Samaroo, the TikToker detained under a Preventive Detention Order (PDO) following social media posts deemed threatening to public safety, is pleading with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to show compassion toward her daughter.

Speaking from the porch of her Valencia home, a visibly distressed Helen Vasquez-Rosales repeatedly apologised on behalf of her daughter, saying that while Alianna’s behaviour online was reckless, it was never meant to cause harm.

Vasquez-Rosales said she has not seen or heard from Alianna since her initial detention on November 25, and continues to worry about her condition and whereabouts.

“First of all, I want to apologise to Prime Minister Kamla on behalf of my daughter,” she said. “She was wrong. She disrespectful sometimes. She mouth hot, and I always warning her about that. I even tell her I hearing things about she on a live, and she better not be getting herself in trouble because that is the Government of T&T.”

Her emotional appeal comes one week after Samaroo was accused of directing online threats at the Prime Minister, leading to her arrest.

However, after appearing in court and pleading guilty, Samaroo was granted bail set at $50,000. She was released after signing the bond, and her sentencing has been scheduled for December 18th.

Vasquez-Rosales said her only wish now is for her daughter to be allowed the chance to move forward and to be home in time for Christmas.