KAIETEUR News Publisher, Glen Lall yesterday had the threatening language charge brought by Commissioner- General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Khurshid Sattaur dismissed after it was withdrawn by the complainant.Lall appeared before Sparendaam Magistrate, Alex Moore on a charge of using threatening language against the GRA Commissioner-General on August 29, 2014 but Sattaur decided to offer no evidence against Lall in the matter.
“Mr. Lall, fortune smiles upon you sir, the VC has decided he no longer wishes to give evidence against you. The matter is accordingly dismissed sir and you are free to go,” Magistrate Moore told the newspaper publisher as persons in the courtroom applauded.
The court heard that Lall had made use of threatening language against Sattaur at Plantain Walk, Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara on August 29, 2014. The matter was subsequently reported to the police and statements were taken.
When the charge was read to Lall he pleaded not guilty.
The magistrate then informed that a legal representative was present in court who informed that his client Khurshid Sattaur was not willing to offer any evidence against Glen Lall.
The newspaper publisher showed up along with his court reporter, Editor-in-Chief, Adam Harris and two security guards while senior Kaieteur News reporter, Leonard Gildharie and social activists Mark Benschop and Frederick ‘Freddy’ Kissoon were also present at the hearing.
Speaking with reporters following the dismissal of the case, Lall said, “I only wish that the same speed the police and the DPP pronounce on this investigation they do the same with the Anil Nandlall recording.”
Asked by reporters if he thought that the move was a waste of taxpayers’ money, Lall said that waste would be a mild word to use.
“This is not waste, this is disrespectful to the people of this country. This is not a mockery only to the judiciary, it’s a mockery to the nation, the police, the DPP and her office, it’s a complete waste of resources,” he declared.
His lawyer Khemraj Ramjattan told reporters that he did not believe that this latest case would be the last since there may be more coming along the line.
“This may not be the end of it – they would probably want to bring on some other charges and other things to pressure the newspaper that has been doing such a good job of exposing them.”
(By Leroy Smith)
