Tweet
Monday, 14 July 2008
Lawyers representing three alleged drug traffickers described the extradition of their clients to the US less than a week ago for multiple narcotics charges as a dangerous wrong.
Extradited prematurely
At a press conference on Monday afternoon, attorneys, K.D. Knight, Jacqueline Samuels Brown and Norma Linton, blasted Minister of Justice and Attorney General Senator Dorothy Lightborne for not allowing due process in law in the extradition of their clients.
They outlined the sequence of events between July four and nine leading up to the extradition of Norris Deedo Nemhard, Robroy Williams, Glenford Williams.
Mr. Knight stated emphatically that the Minister was advised in writing of steps that were being taken to safeguard the interest of the clients.
According to the Queen's Counsel, these included appealing to the Privy Council, seeking redress for constitutional violation, making representation to the Inter American council for human rights and appealing for Ministerial discretion.
Mr. Knight stated that the minister did not give any reasonable consideration to the matters raised.
"We have moved beyond saying this would be done in a timely manner. We had acted in a timely manner. The documents were drafted, the documents were properly filed and the documents were properly served. What we expect is due process, what we expect is that there should be no usurpation of the jurisdiction of the judicial arm by the executive arm," said Mr. Knight.
Ministerial blundering
Stopping short of characterising the Senator Lightborne's handling of the matter as ministerial blundering, Mr. Knight said the Ministry and prison officials refused to accept hard copies of documents that were prepared to halt the extradition process.
"On July 9 a response was received from the minister. In that letter the minister said that she had taken note of and deliberated on your concern. No concern was expressed in the letter that was sent to her,"
"What was sent to her was a letter stating the steps available and which the persons would have taken within 21 days. So there was nothing for her to deliberate on," said Mr. Knight.
Clients left unprotected
He says Minister Lightbourne's treatment of the matter did not afford their clients the protection that they deserve in law and the Prime Minister should hold make someone accountable.
Mr. Knight disclosed that lawyers representing the men in Florida are prepared for the battle in the US Courts where he feels they may yet have a fighting chance.
Lawyers representing three alleged drug traffickers described the extradition of their clients to the US less than a week ago for multiple narcotics charges as a dangerous wrong.
Extradited prematurely
At a press conference on Monday afternoon, attorneys, K.D. Knight, Jacqueline Samuels Brown and Norma Linton, blasted Minister of Justice and Attorney General Senator Dorothy Lightborne for not allowing due process in law in the extradition of their clients.
They outlined the sequence of events between July four and nine leading up to the extradition of Norris Deedo Nemhard, Robroy Williams, Glenford Williams.
Mr. Knight stated emphatically that the Minister was advised in writing of steps that were being taken to safeguard the interest of the clients.
According to the Queen's Counsel, these included appealing to the Privy Council, seeking redress for constitutional violation, making representation to the Inter American council for human rights and appealing for Ministerial discretion.
Mr. Knight stated that the minister did not give any reasonable consideration to the matters raised.
"We have moved beyond saying this would be done in a timely manner. We had acted in a timely manner. The documents were drafted, the documents were properly filed and the documents were properly served. What we expect is due process, what we expect is that there should be no usurpation of the jurisdiction of the judicial arm by the executive arm," said Mr. Knight.
Ministerial blundering
Stopping short of characterising the Senator Lightborne's handling of the matter as ministerial blundering, Mr. Knight said the Ministry and prison officials refused to accept hard copies of documents that were prepared to halt the extradition process.
"On July 9 a response was received from the minister. In that letter the minister said that she had taken note of and deliberated on your concern. No concern was expressed in the letter that was sent to her,"
"What was sent to her was a letter stating the steps available and which the persons would have taken within 21 days. So there was nothing for her to deliberate on," said Mr. Knight.
Clients left unprotected
He says Minister Lightbourne's treatment of the matter did not afford their clients the protection that they deserve in law and the Prime Minister should hold make someone accountable.
Mr. Knight disclosed that lawyers representing the men in Florida are prepared for the battle in the US Courts where he feels they may yet have a fighting chance.
Comment