By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
Trinidad Court Rules Use of Blindfolds During Attorney Visits Is Lawful
PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO — A High Court judge has dismissed attorney CJ Williams’ application to end the use of blindfolds for detainees during attorney-client meetings at the Teteron Barracks detention facility.
Justice Westman James ruled that the practice was reasonable under national security concerns, especially given that the site detains individuals under state of emergency regulations.
Williams represents Orville Richards, who is charged with the 2014 murder of Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal. Despite Williams’ claim that the blindfold violated attorney-client privilege—especially given his claustrophobia—the judge emphasized the provision of in-person and virtual meetings satisfies detainee rights.
Antigua: Teen Sentenced to 3 Years for Fatal Robbery
ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA & BARBUDA — A 16-year-old boy has been sentenced to three years in prison for the fatal shooting of a Syrian businessman during a daytime robbery. The teen, who was already out on bail for gun-related charges, committed the murder earlier this year.
Justice Tun Bachi issued the maximum sentence allowable for a minor, deducting 550 days already served on remand, and criticized the rise in juvenile violent crime, warning that such acts have become “a menace to society.”
The teen must check in with police twice weekly and adhere to a nighttime curfew post-release. His adult co-accused is awaiting arraignment.
Trump Slaps 25% Tariff on Indian Goods from August 1
WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that a 25% tariff will be applied to all goods imported from India starting August 1, along with an unspecified penalty.
Trump criticized India’s high trade barriers and military ties to Russia, stating that although India is a “friend,” the trade imbalance and geopolitical alignment needed correction, particularly in light of the Ukraine conflict.
India’s Commerce Ministry has not responded to the announcement. The tariff decision is expected to derail ongoing U.S.-India trade talks, which had been moving toward a limited deal.
