On the Face is unprecedented interference of the Minister in the independence of the Judiciary.
Minister for National Security and Legal Affairs Rayburn Blackmoore has stated that the “Government of Dominica is opposed to the granting of bail to double murder accused Jonathan Lehrer, charged with the murders of animation pioneer and Canadian philanthropist Daniel Langlois and his longtime partner, Dominique Marchand, 58.
The Minister should not have expressed such views for publication because that could be regarded as reflecting adversely on the impartiality, discretion, or ability of the High Court Judge Justice Colin Williams.
If a Minister has grounds for concern over the decision to grant the said Bail, he/she should consult with the Attorney-General and the DPP to consider an appeal.
The Public is now left to question whether the Judiciary is independent.
Is this matter a game minister using his office to play politics? Is the subject expression of the Minister real or Fake?
Joshua Francis- Attorney at law-LLB (HONS) LEC
I totally agree with Mr. Francis. Why does a politician make a pronouncement on a sensitive matter facing the courts? Does this not blur the lines of Separation of Powers? Already mistrust of the judiciary is widespread. Can this not be construed as political interference? Can his comment potentially compromise the case?