Bakr on trial for treason

Tue, May 15, 2012 - 8:36 AM

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Jury selection is expected to continue today in the treason case against Muslim leader Yasin Abu Bakr.

On Monday, Justice Mark Mohammed rejected an application from Bakr’s attorney Wayne Sturge that the trial be adjourned on the grounds of pre-trial publicity.

But special prosecutor Dana Seetahal argued that charges against the 68-year-old Muslim leader had been filed more than six years and wondered whether there will ever be an atmosphere sufficient to try the case.

Bakr, with his right foot wrapped in a bandage, limped into court with the aid of a cane, surrounded by his bodyguards. He is facing two counts of inciting a riot, demanding money by menace and inciting others to breach the peace. He is also charged with promoting a terrorist act, sedition and four other offences relating to an Eid-ul-Fitr sermon he delivered in November 2005.

Bakr who has been diagnosed with diabetes sustained an injury on his ankle and was unable to attend court on five occasions as a result of his ill health.

When the matter resumes, Justice Mohammed will continue hearing applications from potential jurors seeking exemption. Close to 70 jurors were exempted on Monday. (CMC)