One was fined, bail granted, and another yet to be located
ERC is taking legal action against defaulters…
Accused: John Gobin.
Kaieteur News – The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has finally begun legal action against people found to incite racial or ethnic violence or hatred among Guyanese.
Recently, three individuals were charged with their conduct and words in accordance with the Racial Hostility Act. Through attorney-in-law Stanley Moore, SC, the Commission filed the complaints in Georgetown Magistrates’ Court in December 2020.
Although two of the individuals have already made their court appearance, the ERC and police are still struggling to serve the alleged third defaulter. The defendants, John Gobin and Steve Anthony Barakat, appeared at Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Rhondel Weever, on December 9, 2020.
According to a press release, based on the specific nature of the behavior and the words, the allegations were laid. The accusations include inciting ethnic / racial violence or hatred and vicious hostility or racial ill will.
Gobin pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $ 20,000, after which Magistrate Weever warned him not to repeat the offense or publish any similar material in the future.
Meanwhile, Barakat pleaded not guilty to the charge and was placed on $ 30,000 bail. Attorney-in-law Latchmie Rahamat, represents Barakat. He is expected to make his next court appearance on January 20, 2021 for trial.
The statement also noted that the third defaulter, Lashona Chester, has not yet been served despite strenuous efforts to locate them. Magistrate Weever ordered that steps be taken to call them again and adjourn the Chester case until January 20, 2021.