Election Fraud Trial – Defense Challenges Video Evidence, Court to Test Voluntariness of Statements
By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News
Day 26 of the election fraud trial, which stems from allegations of attempts to rig the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, continued on Friday before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Police Corporal Shelon Harvey, attached to the Cove and John Police Station Crime Scene Unit, entered the witness box. Harvey testified that in 2020, he was stationed at the Criminal Investigation Department’s Crime Laboratory as a crime scene photographer and videographer.
He told the court that on August 28, 2020, while on duty, he was instructed to collect a video camera and an empty memory card. He later proceeded to the Major Crime Unit, where he recorded an interview conducted with defendant Clairmont Mingo.
However, defense attorney Nigel Hughes strongly objected to the video being admitted into evidence. Hughes argued that Mingo was unwell and had been taken to the hospital at the time, noting that he indicated he did not want to be interviewed without his lawyer present. He further contended that Mingo was forced by police officers, who allegedly threatened to keep him in custody unless he complied, making the recording inadmissible as it was obtained under duress.
The defense also objected to a disc containing an interview with co-defendant Sheffin February, claiming that February had requested the presence of her lawyer but was denied that right.
Following these objections, Magistrate McGusty ruled that the court would have to embark on a voir dire hearing to determine the voluntariness of the statements. The case was adjourned to September 22, 2025.
The charges stem from the controversial March 2020 elections, with several former officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and others accused of attempting to rig the results. The defendants are facing 19 conspiracy charges, while the Prosecution has indicated plans to call approximately 73 witnesses in the trial.
