Why was Mohammed detained?

Before Justice Amrika Tiwary-Reddy yesterday in the Port-of-Spain Fifth Civil Court were Cpl Everald Bruce and Insp Terrence Nelson, both of whom were asked if there was anything they had to say.

"Not at this time," responded both men.

The two officers, along with Police Commissioner Trevor Paul and Cpl Rudolph Hector, were named in the writ filed by Mohammed’s attorney, Senior Counsel, Fyard Hosein. The application for a writ of habeas corpus demanded the release of his client who, according to the writ, had been detained since October 6.

With the two officers present yesterday, Mohammed’s attorney made it quite clear to the officers present that the matter surrounding his client’s detention does not simply come to an end with Mohammed’ release.

"We are asking that these officers explain why my client was detained," said Hosein.

After the attorney’s demands for an explanation, Tiwary-Reddy also told the police officers present why an explanation was necessary, as she believed it would assist in determining if Mohammed’s detention was lawful or not.

"It is very important and urgent that these answers are given. We have no explanation as to whether his detention was lawful or not, said the judge. Before adjourning the matter, both Cpl Bruce and Insp Nelson were advised to bring their attorneys on the next occasion.

The judge also indicated that the police officers who failed to show up at yesterday’s proceedings will be contacted on the matter. "Notice of the adjourned hearing will be served on commissioner Trevor Paul and Cpl Hector," said Tiwary Reddy.

Mohammed, a Trinidadian, was arrested in Tobago last Thursday after he was found to be in possession of two throwing knives. He was subsequently charged with possession of two offensive weapons, and appeared before a Port-of-Spain magistrate where the indictable charge was read to him. Mohammed, who had secured bail the day before his court appearance, was rearrested outside the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court and again taken into police custody. Mohammed’s attorney at the time, Sophia Chote, told Newsday that no explanation was forthcoming from police officers who had taken her client into custody.

The matter was adjourned to October 24.