Faris Calls For Probe Into Minister Over PDO Releases

Former Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi has called on the Commissioner of Police to investigate whether there was any improper overlap between the role of the Minister of Homeland Security and decisions surrounding preventative detention orders.

Al-Rawi raised the issue during the Opposition’s September 10 press conference while discussing the State of Emergency and the expected release of people being held under preventative detention orders.

He referred to public statements surrounding an alleged gang truce involving individuals identified publicly as Kman and Plumpy Boss and questioned a video in which an individual appeared to thank Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander for keeping his word concerning another man’s release.

Al-Rawi argued that a government minister cannot direct the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service or determine whether evidence is sufficient to support criminal charges.

He called on Alexander to explain the circumstances surrounding the statements and urged the Commissioner of Police to determine whether there had been any improper mixing of ministerial and policing functions.

Al-Rawi stressed that preventative detention orders involve serious allegations and said questions must be answered about why individuals were detained and the circumstances under which their orders were later revoked.

The former attorney general also called for confirmation of whether an investigation had been initiated into the circumstances.

The statements amount to allegations and a request for investigation by Al-Rawi. The press conference transcript does not establish that Minister Alexander committed any wrongdoing.