TTPS warns against “public trial” of Kaia Sealy case amid protest fallout

TTPS warns against “public trial” of Kaia Sealy case amid protest fallout—the matters are before the court, trust the process The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is urging members of the public to refrain from publicly debating or attempting to “try” the Kaia Sealy matter in the court of public opinion, warning that such actions could carry serious legal consequences as the high-profile case moves through the judicial system. Speaking with reporters outside the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Port of Spain on Wednesday, Assistant Commissioner of Police for the North- Western Division Gavin Henry and TTPS legal officer Acting Sergeant Smith stressed that the matter is now before the courts and should be allowed to proceed through the legal process without outside interference. Their comments came following tense scenes outside the DPP’s Office, where police shut down a planned protest linked to the “19 Bullets, 19 Protests” campaign being staged in support of Kaia Sealy and slain Joshua Samaroo. Three people were arrested during the operation after officers moved to disperse demonstrators gathered near what they deem as a "protected area" during the ongoing State of Emergency (SoE). Addressing concerns over public commentary surrounding the matter, Acting Sgt Smith warned that persons discussing evidence publicly or attempting to influence opinion on the case could potentially expose themselves to leval consequences—contempt of court proceedings through pretrial publicity. “These matters are before the court,” Smith said, adding that the correct venue for evidence and arguments to be ventilated is inside a courtroom — not on social media platforms, public demonstrations, or online forums. Sealy has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of her common-law husband Joshua Samaroo, as well as multiple firearms-related offences, including shooting at three police officers, possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of firearms and ammunition for the purpose of endangering life, and discharging a firearm within 40 metres of a public roadway. Smith defended the integrity of the TTPS and the legal process, stating that the police service has demonstrated in the past that it is willing and capable of arresting and charging its own officers when evidence warrants such action. He also expressed confidence in the Office of the DPP, noting that prosecutors have previously advised criminal charges against police officers in other matters. “We are asking the public to trust the process and allow the matter to proceed before the court,” he said. ACP Henry also addressed questions surrounding Wednesday’s protest, stating that no official request for the demonstration had been submitted to his office. Smith further outlined the procedure normally associated with public gatherings and demonstrations, particularly under the current emergency regulations. However, questions were raised by members of the media regarding whether protest organisers were legally required to seek permission from police in the first place, with some supporters maintaining that the law only requires authorities to be notified and not asked for approval. Police maintained that restrictions remain in place under the Emergency Powers Regulations and warned that breaches would continue to be addressed by law enforcement.— Story by I.A.N News TO ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCT CALL 868-225–3250 WATCH IAN ALLEYNE LIVE: WEBSITE: http://www.ianalleyne.org/ Subscribe to Ian Alleyne YOUTUBE:    / ianalleyne   Donate via PAYPAL: [email protected] FOLLOW IAN ALLEYNE LIVE ON: FACEBOOK:   / ianalleynenetwork   INSTAGRAM:   / ianalleyne   DOWNLOAD THE IAN ALLEYNE APP GOOGLE PLAY: https://play.google.com/store/…/detai... APPLE STORE: https://apps.apple.com/…/i…/id1291774512 TO ADVERTISE CALL OR TEXT IAN DIRECTLY @ 1-868-225-3250 OR 1-868-294-4081 TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON CRIMES AND RELATED ISSUES, CALL: 868-390-4426, 868-330-4426, 868-290-4426 & 868-294-4081 VISIT http://www.ianalleyne.org/ CONTRIBUTIONS ARE APPRECIATED AND IS ACCEPTED AT ANY FIRST CITIZENS BANK AC# 1898739 OR PAYPAL @ [email protected] #CrimeWatch#IanAlleyneNetwork#TheHuntIsOn #Wetting #NewsBeforeNews #Trinidad #Robbery #TrueCrime #Exposed #Thetruth #IanAllyene #Hurricane #Corruptionexposed #NewYork #London #Miami #LockedOn #Truecrimes #IanAlleyne #Carcrash #Chaguanas #Ian #Suits #Instadaily #Like #FollowMe #Me #Hot #Lifestyle #Motivation #TNT #IanAlleyneLiveStream #Ian #BreakingNews #BreakingNewsTT #IanAllen #IanAlleyneLive #IanAllenLive #Ian AlleyneLiveStreamYoutubeToday #Travel#Caribbean#News#CrimeWatchLive#COVID-19 #CORONAVIRUS