Abu Bakr has case to answer

The matter has now been adjourned to April 4, when Bakr is expected to testify if he chooses to or call witnesses on his behalf.

Bakr was served a witness summons at his home at Queen’s Park West on September 9, 2013, to appear at the enquiry but failed to do so.

The private complaint was brought against Bakr by the secretary to the Commission of Enquiry for his failure to heed a summons served on him to appear before the enquiry in September 2013.

Bakr has pleaded not-guilty to the complaint.

Bakr failed to appear before the commission on two occasions — August 29, 2012, and also September 23, 2013. On the first occasion, the commission referred the matter to the DPP who took the position that he will not lay charges against Bakr for failing to answer a summons of the commission to appear before it.

Instead, the DPP told the commission it has the legal power to direct the Commissioner of Police to “prosecute the proceedings” for breach of Section 16.

When he first failed to appear in 2012, Bakr cited his then ongoing case against him in the High Court, and last year said he would appear only if he was paid to give evidence.

The private summons now before the Chief Magistrate was issued in accordance with Sections 12 and 16 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act.

Representing the commission is attorney Larry Lalla while Criston J Williams appears for Bakr.