TheLight
10-04-2007, 07:43 AM
What kind of game Manning, Dookeran & Bakr playing?
By Jada Loutoo
JAMAAT al Muslimeen leader Yasin Abu Bakr has issued a veiled threat to tell of his involvement with the ruling PNM, if the party’s political leader, Prime Minister Patrick Manning, does not refrain from making comments about him on the election platform.
Bakr’s consternation over recent comments by PM Manning about him was raised when he reappeared in court to answer charges of terrorism, incitement and sedition.
That trial is yet to begin as another preliminary legal issue has been raised for presiding judge Justice Mark Mohammed to consider.
In June, the judge allowed a three-month cooling-off period to determine whether adverse media reports have tapered off enough to ensure Bakr gets a fair trial.
But yesterday, attorney Wayne Sturge, one of Bakr’s lawyers, raised concern about recent statements made by Manning on the political platform, saying it might have an effect on the minds of potential jurors.
Sturge accused the PM of alienating Bakr and said references of Bakr’s associations and allegations of criminal conduct were likely to have a negative impact on a fair trial.
“It is gaining momentum and he (Bakr) is prepared to open up but it will cause great embarrassment to the Prime Minister,” Sturge said, while admitting that his client knew it would “only make things worse” if he spoke out.
Sturge has asked that the State and the judge issue a warning to the PM and other politicians to refrain from making comments about Bakr.
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news5.html
By Jada Loutoo
JAMAAT al Muslimeen leader Yasin Abu Bakr has issued a veiled threat to tell of his involvement with the ruling PNM, if the party’s political leader, Prime Minister Patrick Manning, does not refrain from making comments about him on the election platform.
Bakr’s consternation over recent comments by PM Manning about him was raised when he reappeared in court to answer charges of terrorism, incitement and sedition.
That trial is yet to begin as another preliminary legal issue has been raised for presiding judge Justice Mark Mohammed to consider.
In June, the judge allowed a three-month cooling-off period to determine whether adverse media reports have tapered off enough to ensure Bakr gets a fair trial.
But yesterday, attorney Wayne Sturge, one of Bakr’s lawyers, raised concern about recent statements made by Manning on the political platform, saying it might have an effect on the minds of potential jurors.
Sturge accused the PM of alienating Bakr and said references of Bakr’s associations and allegations of criminal conduct were likely to have a negative impact on a fair trial.
“It is gaining momentum and he (Bakr) is prepared to open up but it will cause great embarrassment to the Prime Minister,” Sturge said, while admitting that his client knew it would “only make things worse” if he spoke out.
Sturge has asked that the State and the judge issue a warning to the PM and other politicians to refrain from making comments about Bakr.
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news5.html