Al-Rawi Says State’s Evidence Doesn’t Match Publicly Circulated Recording

Al-Rawi Says State’s Evidence Doesn’t Match Publicly Circulated Recording

Attorney Faris Al-Rawi says the evidence relied upon by the State in the preventive detention cases involving Dominic Hadeed, Genevieve Hadeed and Star Sabga does not match the contents of a recording that has circulated publicly.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Al-Rawi said his legal team has repeatedly requested full disclosure of the evidence being relied upon by the State but has so far received only 13 short audio clips attached to an affidavit filed by Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander.

According to Al-Rawi, those 13 clips amount to just over two minutes of audio, while the recording now circulating publicly is approximately 15 minutes long. He argued that the longer recording provides context that is absent from the excerpts relied upon by the State.

Al-Rawi further contended that the statements attributed to Dominic and Genevieve Hadeed in the Minister’s affidavit are not reflected in the publicly circulated recording. He said the issue will form part of the legal team’s ongoing application for disclosure as they seek access to the full body of evidence relied upon by the State.

The attorney said his clients continue to deny any involvement in a conspiracy to murder the Prime Minister or members of the Government. He added that they voluntarily cooperated with investigators and remain prepared to answer the allegations once full disclosure is provided.

Al-Rawi also described the matter as extending beyond the individual cases, saying it raises important constitutional questions about the balance between national security powers and the rights of citizens during a State of Emergency. He argued that recent court decisions have reaffirmed the judiciary’s supervisory role in reviewing Preventive Detention Orders and determining whether there are objective grounds for continued detention.

He confirmed that Star Sabga remains under police-supervised home detention following her release from prison and that an expedited appeal is scheduled to be heard by the Court of Appeal on 14 September, while the substantive constitutional proceedings continue before the High Court.

Al-Rawi said his legal team’s focus remains on defending their clients’ reputations through the courts and allowing the judicial process to determine the issues raised in the case.