Oliver Hinckson charged with sedition, Dorian Massay for possessing Army kit
Hinckson charged with sedition, Massay for possessing Army kit
Guyana Chronicle: EX-ARMY Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lieutenant Oliver Hinckson has been charged with the capital offence of sedition.The 64-year-old veteran, of Lot 167 Meadow Brook Gardens, Georgetown, also faced a charge of advocating the commission of a terrorist act when he appeared before Principal Magistrate Melissa Robertson-Ogle yesterday.
Particulars of the indictable charges said, last January 31:
* Hinckson advocated to commit terrorism, and uttered a seditious speech to the public and news media, the purpose of which would bring hatred and contempt and promote public disorder.
Police Inspector Denise Griffith, prosecuting, successfully opposed bail for Hinckson, on the bases of the nature and graphics of the charges.
Attorney-at-law Mr. Nigel Hughes contended that there are no particulars to suggest that Hinckson advocated any act and submitted it is a malicious prosecution.
He said there are no details in the allegations that the accused advocated any act of terrorism or use of any bombs, explosives, etc.
Hughes also claimed that, towards the end of a statement made by Hinckson, the latter actually advocated the involvement of stakeholders in dialogue to address the crisis the country faces and the public has benefitted significantly from his assertion.
Defence Counsel said he understands that, shortly after Hinckson spoke, a meeting was held with the President and stakeholders and the entire content was adapted wholeheartedly.
Hughes said Hinckson should not be prosecuted on the basis of the right to freedom of speech.
About the remanded prisoner, Hughes said he is a father of seven, a writer/publisher and was a member of the Army, who displayed considerable talent, leading to his selection and successful completion of specialist training in the United Kingdom (U.K).
Hughes said Hinckson spends most of his time contributing to the training and development of socially challenged young people of a disadvantaged background.
The lawyer disclosed that the accused, who is pursuing a Degree in International Relations at University of Guyana (UG), is expected to commence his final year examinations today and that is an indication Hinckson wants to improve himself.
Hinckson is, reportedly, the fourth Guyanese to have been charged with sedition, following former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Parliamentarian Fred Bowman, in the colonial era and two party colleagues, one being Nasrudeen, in the post-Independence period.
Another attorney-at-law representing Hinckson, Mr. Vic Puran, said all the charge contains is the mere allegation of intention that does not constitute the offence.
He questioned whether the charge bears ingredients of terrorism but Hinckson was ordered to remain in jail and the case has been transferred to another Court for March 30.
Other former GDF Lieutenant Dorian Massay, 27, of 167 Takuba Road, Meadow Brook Garden, Georgetown, also appeared in the same Court with Hinckson and not guilty to acquiring military stores.
Particulars of the offence said he was in the possession, on March 5, of a pair of black boots, a camouflage bag and a camouflage jacket, property of the GDF.
The defendant was granted $50,000 bail his case, too, was transferred to a different Court, for March 26. (Priya Nauth)
