DPP, Greene’s lawyers to make written submissions
DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack said, yesterday, that she is expected to make written submissions, within 10 days, to Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang, in relation to the rape allegation against Police Commissioner, Henry Greene. She told the Guyana Chronicle that, contrary to reports, in some sections of the media, she is not required to submit another affidavit. According to her, Greene’s defence counsel is also required to meet the same deadline.
Ali-Hack said Greene’s lawyers requested her to explain why she recommended that the now embattled Top Cop be charged and she quoted a section of the virtual complainant’s statement which suggested that she and Greene did not have consensual sex.
The DPP said, in cases where two parties differ on the facts in a matter, the issue is then left up to a jury to decide. She maintained that is what the law stipulates and her advice was given on the basis of the provisions in the constitution.
Ali-Hack said, too, that defence counsel for Greene failed to prove why what she advises should not be upheld.
She also said the move by Greene’s counsel is unusual and pointed out that, while it is not forbidden, with the court not in receipt of all the evidence and charges not yet instituted, the timing of such action may not, necessarily, be wise.
Justice Chang had asked the DPP to show cause why her recommendation of the rape charge against Greene should be upheld, after the commissioner, through his attorneys contended that it was null, void and without basis and requested the court to have the DPP offer an explanation why she recommended it.