Former Dominica PM Edison James released on bail after 20 minutes in jail cell

Former Prime Minister of Dominica, Edison James, found himself in the spotlight once again on Friday after he was released on bail of EC$50,000 after an estimated 20 minutes in a holding cell.

This development follows his commitment to stand trial at the High Court on charges of incitement, stemming from events that transpired during a United Workers Party (UWP) rally in 2017.

During the UWP rally on February 7, 2017, calls were made for the resignation of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, leading to James’ subsequent charge of “encouraging, persuading, or instigating by words, causing persons to jeopardize the safety or endanger the public peace.”

This charge has placed Edison James, along with former opposition leader Lennox Linton and current UWP leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine, at the center of an alleged incitement case.

Court Proceedings and Commentary

Magistrate Michael Laudat’s dismissal of a no-case submission filed on behalf of James led to James expressing his anticipation of the trial.

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However, he also criticized the magistrate’s handling of the situation, suggesting external pressure influenced the decision to send him to trial and into a holding cell. Despite this, James maintained his composure, noting his understanding of the legal process, including the availability of bail.

Support and Advocacy

Lennox Linton, who is facing his own trial in the magistrate court, expressed surprise at James’ treatment, highlighting James’ consistent attendance at court proceedings since 2017. Linton emphasized James’ obedience to the court’s directives, questioning the necessity of placing James in a holding cell.

Despite the challenges faced, both James and Linton urged their supporters to participate in a planned protest, stressing the importance of defending Dominican rights. James appealed to the populace to recognize the broader implications of their actions, emphasizing that the struggle was not merely against Skerrit’s administration but for the protection of Dominican democracy.

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The prosecution in the cases against the opposition politicians is being led by Trinidad-based criminal attorneys Israel Khan and Keith Scotland.

Read more stories on Dominica here.