Karamath stays in jail, matter resumes Nov. 29

Lawyers for businessman Khalil Karamath failed on Friday to get a court to approve an application for their client's freedom. A judge heard the matter via video conference and agreed to a postponement to next Tuesday, meaning Karamath will remain in detention until then.

Dana Seetahal and Larry Lalla, seeking the interest of the Commissioner of Police served notice on Karamath's lawyers that  the state was holding their client with an authorisation detention order for under Section 16 (3) of the Regulations of the State of Emergency.

That notice was filed prior to the hearing. However Karamath's laywers said they are not prepared to withdraw their application for Karamath's release and will present reasons for at the next hearing.

Their argument in favour of the habeas corpus application in contained in an affidavit that outlines the circumstances of Karamath's detention.

The affidavit that four vans of police showed up at Karamath's house on Wednesday armed with a search warrant. It says Karamath cooperated with the officer but a search did not turn up anything illegal. Karamath was then taken to San Juan Police Station and detained.

On that same day a lawyer for Selwyn 'Robocop' Alexis withdrew a habeas corpus application on behalf of his client. Alexis has also been detained under the emergency regulations and can be held for up to seven days without charge.

It is expected that if no charges are filed against him, Alexis would be freed on Sunday.