This is the decision of magistrates Abdool Raheem Tahjoodeen and Razia Janoo-Jaunboccus. The case was called today. Gavin Glover, Senior Counsel, who is representing the former Prime Minister, had applied for the transfer of his client’s case from the Intermediate Court to the Financial Crimes Division to be declared null and void. During his pleadings on February 29, Mr. Glover emphasised the need for a completely new trial in this case if it were to take place before the Financial Crimes Division. However, he did not convince the two magistrates.
Senior Counsel Gavin Glover stated that he will study the judgement before taking a decision. He continued by saying he plans to file a motion. In a statement to the media, the attorney said, “We haven’t lost a battle, but we haven’t lost the war.”
The leader of the Labour Party is facing twenty-three charges of overpayment under Section 5 of the Financial Intelligence and Anti-Money Laundering Act. He is alleged to have accepted Rs 63.8 million in cash over six years, from January 31, 2009, to February 7, 2015.
