Criminal Bar knocks AG

In his letter, Jeremie had chastised Martineau for chairing a meeting of the Law Association involving Sharma who is his client, held on July 20 at the Hall of Justice which urged that the AG be held in contempt of court. In a release yesterday signed by its Vice President Nizam Mohammed, the Criminal Bar Association described the AG’s letter as “nothing less than a vituperative personal attack” on Martineau. The Association said the tremendous State power held by Jeremie meant that the emotional responses emanating from his high office were disturbing.

Criticising the AG’s remarks, the Association said: “Unfortunately these releases have moved from perhaps being ill-thought out to containing incorrect assertions in fact and law, and have metamorphosed into what can only be described as threatening and disconcerting.”

The statement said that while Martineau has consistently appealed for restraint and mature behaviour from all quarters, the AG had suggested that seeking the access and protection of the courts amounted to placing yourself above the law.

The Association further criticised the AG for suggesting that representations by accused persons to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) are unprecedented, and that telephone communication between attorneys and court officers is suspicious.

“The Attorney-general is yet to condemn the direct leaking of telephone numbers and other information to the press.”

Further the Association said the AG seemed to believe that the constitutional protection of the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is subject to his supervision and direction. The Association concluded by saying the AG should appreciate the level of demoralisation which the CJ affair has had on the judiciary and the country.

“Frantic public releases only serve to worsen an already dangerous situation.”