Hudson-Phillips will defend Dhanraj after becoming ICC judge

EVEN after he is sworn in as a judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC) next week, Karl Hudson-Phillips, QC, will continue to defend murder accused Dhanraj Singh in the San Fernando High Court. 

Hudson-Phillips, who continued his legal submissions yesterday before Justice Baird, said even after he is sworn in as an ICC judge, representing the former Government Minister will not pose a conflict of interest. Hudson-Phillips leaves next weekend for the Hague in the Netherlands to take the oath as one of 19 judges on the newly-formed ICC which will try persons for genocide and crimes against humanity.  He is expected to complete his legal arguments next week Tuesday after which he will take his leave from the proceedings to travel to the Hague on March 6. He is expected to return on March 12. State Prosecutor Devan Rampersad will reply to Hudson-Phillips’ submissions next Wednesday and Thursday, and Justice Baird will deliver a written ruling the following week. Even though Hudson-Phillips will be out of the jurisdiction by then, the trial will continue in his absence.
 
Ravi Rajcoomar who, together with Jennifer Hudson-Phillips, is being led by Hudson-Phillips (Karl), will take over conduct of the case. Before commencement of proceedings yesterday, Hudson-Phillips told Newsday he will continue as defence counsel after he returns from his swearing in. However, on completion of Singh’s case, he will not appear again in high profile matters. Hudson-Phillips said he did not anticipate any conflict arising because it was hardly likely a situation could develop in this jurisdiction which might engage the attention of the ICC. “But even so, next week is just the swearing in of the judges, nine of whom are part-time. There is still the registrar and staff to be appointed. So the court itself is not yet fully constituted until, I think, by the end of the year,” Hudson Phillips said. He will continue making submissions before the judge this morning when hearing resumes  in the absence of the jury. The panel is sequestered at a hotel in Port of Spain. They will return to court next week Thursday.