Georgetown: A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has lauded the decision by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry who presided over the Treason Trial related to Colonel Bruce Munroe and his wife Carol-Ann and Reserve Officer Leonard Wharton. Joseph Harmon of the APNU Executive today made the pronouncement during an APNU press engagement where he said that the ruling is testimony to the fact that the Judiciary is independent of the other arms of Government. Harmon also expressed surprise at the sentiments expressed by Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, who had indicated that the Government may move to alter and reinstitute the charges.
Harmon questioned what could be more malicious than arresting a married couple during the Christmas Season and keeping them separated in prison for close to two years. The APNU executives also rejected claims that the party had been silent on the issue saying that they were confident that the Attorneys representing the accused had the wherewithal to effectively defend the treason charges. On December 27, 2010, the three accused were arraigned on the treason charge. Ever since, they had been incarcerated. The state had claimed that the accused intended to use destructive materials to force the former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, to change his measures towards the country and at the same time, force him out of office.
This allegation determined to be unfounded by the Chief Magistrate since it was the view of the court that important elements necessary to support the charge were omitted. Based on what the constitution stipulates, it had to be clear what the treasonous acts were and would therefore deem the persons traitors.
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