Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06PORTOFSPAIN882
2006-07-25 11:17:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Port Of Spain
Cable title:
YASIN ABU BAKR RELEASED ON BAIL IN T&T
how-toVZCZCXRO0285 RR RUEHGR DE RUEHSP #0882 2061117 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 251117Z JUL 06 FM AMEMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7143 INFO RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000882
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR WHA/CAR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PTER KISL TD
SUBJECT: YASIN ABU BAKR RELEASED ON BAIL IN T&T
Ref: Port of Spain 00727
UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000882
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR WHA/CAR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PTER KISL TD
SUBJECT: YASIN ABU BAKR RELEASED ON BAIL IN T&T
Ref: Port of Spain 00727
1. Yasin Abu Bakr, head of the Jamaat Al-Muslimeen
(JAM) group responsible for the failed 1990 coup
attempt, received bail on July 14. Bakr, the first
person to be charged under T&T's anti-terrorism statue,
had been denied bail on two previous attempts due to
the seriousness of the charges. The third time proved a
charm as Bakr finally secured TT$400,000 (US$66667)
bail and an apology from the court. Presiding Judge
Herbert Volney, said, "Every day spent in prison, when
you are presumed innocent, is really an injustice."
Amid cheers of "Allah -a- Akbar" from supporters in the
courtroom, Bakr left the courthouse and headed back to
his JAM compound. His trial is expected to resume in
early November.
2. In response to Bakr's release, the press has
refocused on his controversial affidavit in which he
alleges that Prime Minister Patrick Manning cut a deal
with the JAM to ensure that the People's National
Movement won the 2001 elections (reftel). Bakr argues
that since the JAM upheld its end of the bargain, the
State make good on the deal and not seek to regain
damages from the 1990 coup attempt. Attorney General
John Jeremie is slated to appear in court soon to argue
that the affidavit should be thrown out.
SWEENEY
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR WHA/CAR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PTER KISL TD
SUBJECT: YASIN ABU BAKR RELEASED ON BAIL IN T&T
Ref: Port of Spain 00727
1. Yasin Abu Bakr, head of the Jamaat Al-Muslimeen
(JAM) group responsible for the failed 1990 coup
attempt, received bail on July 14. Bakr, the first
person to be charged under T&T's anti-terrorism statue,
had been denied bail on two previous attempts due to
the seriousness of the charges. The third time proved a
charm as Bakr finally secured TT$400,000 (US$66667)
bail and an apology from the court. Presiding Judge
Herbert Volney, said, "Every day spent in prison, when
you are presumed innocent, is really an injustice."
Amid cheers of "Allah -a- Akbar" from supporters in the
courtroom, Bakr left the courthouse and headed back to
his JAM compound. His trial is expected to resume in
early November.
2. In response to Bakr's release, the press has
refocused on his controversial affidavit in which he
alleges that Prime Minister Patrick Manning cut a deal
with the JAM to ensure that the People's National
Movement won the 2001 elections (reftel). Bakr argues
that since the JAM upheld its end of the bargain, the
State make good on the deal and not seek to regain
damages from the 1990 coup attempt. Attorney General
John Jeremie is slated to appear in court soon to argue
that the affidavit should be thrown out.
SWEENEY