THIRTY-NINE rape cases are slated for hearing during the October session of the criminal assizes in Berbice.

The assizes opened with the traditional ceremonial parade and march-past outside the Berbice High Court in New Amsterdam on Tuesday. Presiding Judge, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry took the salute from ranks of the Guyana Police Force, before commencing hearing the case of the State versus Sunil Suedhar called ‘Papoo’, who allegedly sexually penetrated a female between November 2-3, 2017 in the County of Berbice.

Suedhar has pleaded not guilty. He is represented by Attorney-at-law, Arun Gossai. Further, there are 19 cases of murder, and eight cases of manslaughter amongst the 98 cases listed for trial during the session, which will conclude in January 2019.
Meanwhile, Justice Sewnarine –Beharry will continue to hear on Thursday, a roll-over case of murder in which Ryan Persaud, known as ‘KK’, and Shivnarinee Jainarine, called ‘Sammy’ or ‘Samuel’, are indicted with the murder of security guard Jagdat Ramcharran. Ramcharran was killed during a robbery on January 7, 2013, at the Iskcon Hari Krishna Mandir, at Williamsburg Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Fellow accused Kevin Hintez, at an earlier court hearing had confessed to the killing, and was sentenced to 20 years by Justice Sandil Kissoon. In the meantime, at the gaol-delivery, Superintendent of the New Amsterdam Prison, Deoraj Gyadat, had informed the court that 42 male prison inmates are listed, and are requesting early trial at the October session. Amongst the inmates are Saif Persaud, Rawle Bernard and Abdul McLennon, along with Arthur Clarence, who have all indicated their willingness to plead to the lesser count of manslaughter and rape, respectively.