–magistrate begs to differ

ATTORNEY-AT-LAW Gino Persaud charged Friday that the authorities, including the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) have been “protecting” ASL (Air Services Limited) boss Ahamad Mazahar Ally from the inception of his being charged with five offences.Ally, of Lot 64 New Haven, Bel Air, Georgetown, had pleaded not guilty to the five charges, namely:using insulting language, assault (two counts), threatening behaviour, and calling a person a name other than his own.
He initially appeared in court on January 31, 2013 and was sent away on his own recognizance. The virtual complainant in the matter is Ogle International Airport’s Security Chief, Harold Hopkinson.
Attorney, Mr. Neil Boston, appearing for Ally on Friday, continued cross-examining Hopkinson before Sparendaam Magistrate Alex Moore. A recording of what transpired on the day in question was played in court by means of Hopkinson’s laptop. The contents, filled with indecent language, were transcribed by the magistrate and repeated several times over by the magistrate and lawyers.
Meanwhile, Persaud told the court that the authorities, including the DPP, were written to on the matter, but he never received a response from anyone.
The magistrate advised Persaud that his court has the power to summon anyone, including the DPP and the police commissioner, should that become necessary.
This case has been adjourned to May 6.

(By Telesha Ramnarine)