Attorney General Anand Ramlogan on sunday issued a statement in which he condemned an article in Sunday's Guardian newspaper entitled “James Lewis QC Upset as Preliminary Inquiries Scrapped”.
"The article creates the false impression that my relationship with internationally renowned and respected extradition expert Mr James Lewis QC was negatively affected by the decision not to appeal the decision High Court quashing the decision of the AG to extradite Mr Ishwar Galbaransingh and Steve Ferguson," Ramlogan said. He added, "This is false, mischievous, malicious, and utterly absurd."
He noted that the article is based on quotes from certain unnamed “sources” that are allegedly close Lewis as saying that he was concerned that his advice was misconstrued. It further alleges that Lewis was surprised that the State did not appeal the decision that quashed the extradition warrant signed by Ramlogan.
The statement said this is not true. "The AG has personally spoken with Mr Lewis who has categorically denied this and is satisfied that the article is fabricated and false," it said.
He noted that the article is based on quotes from certain unnamed “sources” that are allegedly close Lewis as saying that he was concerned that his advice was misconstrued. It further alleges that Lewis was surprised that the State did not appeal the decision that quashed the extradition warrant signed by Ramlogan.
The statement said this is not true. "The AG has personally spoken with Mr Lewis who has categorically denied this and is satisfied that the article is fabricated and false," it said.
"Senator Ramlogan has a very good relationship with Mr Lewis who continues to advise the State in extradition matters. The decision not to appeal was taken in good faith based on discussions with and advice from Mr Lewis. The rationale was fully explained in a detailed statement which was carried in full in two daily newspapers and need not be repeated here," it added.
"In so far as the article deals with the consequences of The Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act 2011 on pending cases, the AG wishes to note that this law embodies and reflects the collective will of both Houses of Parliament.
"In so far as the article deals with the consequences of The Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act 2011 on pending cases, the AG wishes to note that this law embodies and reflects the collective will of both Houses of Parliament.
"It was passed unanimously in both the House of Representatives and The Senate where it was supported by both the Opposition and Independent benches.
"Parliament does not legislate based on personalities but in the interest of a more efficient and modern administration of justice and the greater public good," it said.
No comments:
Post a Comment