Elections trial interrupted by APNU’s Carol Smith – Joseph

A tense scene unfolded Monday afternoon at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court during the ongoing 2020 elections trial, after Carol Smith-Joseph rose in court and interrupted proceedings, claiming she was being verbally harassed.

The incident occurred after the prosecution brought in a group of individuals as potential witnesses.

However, when presiding magistrate Faith McGusty questioned them, they told the court they were not witnesses but observers. They were subsequently allowed to remain seated in the courtroom.

Bibi Aneishaw Mohamed is currently on the witness stand. She has completed her evidence in chief and is being cross examined by defence attorneys.

Shortly after the proceedings continued after the lunch break on Monday, Smith-Joseph stood in court and addressed the magistrate, saying: “Ma’am I am being harassed in court…and they don’t know who is me. I don’t play.”

She further alleged that two of the persons present were verbally harassing her.

Following the outburst, the magistrate issued a warning and instructed court officers to remove the individuals identified.

The magistrate also reminded those present that there are charges for misconduct within the precincts of the court, stating “I am one of the magistrates who has never been shy to read those charges.”

Nine individuals are currently before the court charged with conspiring to manipulate the election results in favour of APNU+AFC, allegedly in an attempt to deny victory to the PPP.

Those charged include former government minister Volda Lawrence, former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, and former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers, among others.

The controversy surrounding the March 2020 elections delayed the declaration of results for five months, until PPP candidate Irfaan Ali was sworn in as President on 2 August 2020.

The trial continues on Tuesday.

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