DPP sends warning

DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions Geoffrey Henderson has issued a warning to the general public to refrain from commenting on cases before the courts. In a statement issued late yesterday, Henderson drew reference to statements made in respect to corruption charges laid against former Government Ministers Franklin Khan and Eric Williams, and the murder trial in progress involving housewife Seeromani Maraj-Naraynsingh and businessman Elton Ramasir. Henderson added, “the right to a fair and unprejudiced trial is an essential safeguard of the liberty of the individual under the law. The ability of society to provide a fair and unprejudiced trial is an indispensable basis of any acceptable justification of the restraints and penalties of criminal law.”

The DPP said any out-of-court statements which tend to prejudice the accused or the trial process are a contempt of court. He said, “the press and all concerned are requested not to publish any statements which may be a contempt of court. Comments which tend to show accused persons in a bad light as well as statements which scandalise the criminal process and the courts are serious contempts.” Henderson pointed out that the provisions of Section 42 (1) of the Indictable Offences (Preliminary Inquiry) Act make it an offence to publish any evidence given at the preliminary inquiry before a magistrate.