Security tight as Bakr in court again

SECURITY was extremely tight yesterday when Jamaat Al Muslimeen leader Yasin Abu Bakr appeared in court charged with conspiracy to murder. The morning started off normal around the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court but suddenly everything changed. Two van loads of policemen from the Guard and Emergency Branch (GEB) suddenly appeared in front of the courthouse on St Vincent Street. It then became obvious that there was a high profile matter listed for hearing. The police blocked traffic at the corner of Duke and St Vincent Streets. The sight of the heavily-armed GEB officers prompted many pedestrians to ask “who is appearing here today, Bakr or Skelly?” Coincidentally, Sheldon “Skelly” Lovell was also due in court to answer a charge of kidnapping.

With the security men on alert, Bakr suddenly appeared on the scene with attorney Wayne Sturge at 8.45 am. There was then a heavy flow of Muslimeen supporters including three of Bakr’s wives and son. Everyone entering the courthouse was subjected to a search. The upstairs corridor suddenly became crowded. The courtroom was finally opened just after nine o’clock with a sudden rush for seats. Eventually, a policeman said firmly “no more room, the court is full.” Bakr was inside the room with his lawyers Ian Brooks and Wayne Sturge. Acting Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington entered the Eighth Magistrate’s Court at 9.07 am and called the case. The charge was not read to the Muslimeen leader. It is alleged that on June 4 at Citrine Drive, Diamond Vale, Diego Martin, Bakr conspired with others to murder Salim Rasheed and Zaki Aubiah, two members of the Muslimeen who were expelled by the leadership in May. The house at Citrine Drive is owned by David “Buffy” Maillard, also known as Abdullah Mustafa Muhammad.

Rasheed was shot and wounded outside the Movie Towne Cineplex on the night of June 4. A woman, Jillia Bowen, was killed in the hail of gunfire. Brooks indicated to the magistrate that he was ready to proceed, but the court prosecutor Sgt Kenneth Cordner pointed out that no one had yet been appointed by the State to prosecute. Brooks said Bakr was anxious for the case to begin. The magistrate stood the case down for a while and left the court. When he returned, State attorney George Busby was present. He indicated that he was on his way to another place when he got a call to attend to this case. Brooks then suggested that both sides had agreed that the case be adjourned to September 29. The magistrate agreed and the hearing was over within minutes. The court was cleared as quickly as it was filled. Bakr left the precincts of the court within minutes. Unlike last week when he was kept in jail for the entire Friday, Bakr was off to preside at Friday juma at the Mucurapo Road mosque.