Attorney Criston Williams has raised concerns over what he describes as intimidation tactics employed by the military during a legal visit to his client, Earl Richards, who is charged in the high-profile murder of Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal. Following a State of Emergency declaration on July 18th, Richards and other high-profile inmates were moved to military facilities in Chaguaramas.
Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro has accused these detainees of being involved in a criminal syndicate planning kidnappings, murders, and attacks on state officials. Williams reported that he was denied access to Richards after refusing extreme conditions, including being blindfolded for entry. He argued that such requirements infringe on legal rights, asserting, “This is not Guantanamo; this is Trinidad and Tobago.”
He expressed willingness to comply with limited conditions like using only pen and paper but found the blindfold demand unacceptable. Williams, who suffers from claustrophobia, reluctantly agreed to the blindfold but was then informed that masked tactical officers would be present during the interview. He labeled the situation as “psychological warfare” and emphasized the violation of attorney-client privilege. Williams declined the terms and left without seeing his client, describing the incident as a troubling day for legal rights in Trinidad and Tobago.
