The trial into the 2020 General and Regional Elections was abruptly adjourned on Tuesday morning following a heated confrontation between defence attorney Nigel Hughes and witness Bibi Aneishaw Mohamed at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Mohamed, a PPP/C agent during the 2020 elections, had returned to the witness stand for cross-examination by Hughes, having been under questioning since last Friday. Proceedings continued through the morning session but were disrupted shortly after a break when tensions between the witness and Hughes escalated sharply.
During questioning, Mohamed accused Hughes of putting words in her mouth and continuously misrepresenting her testimony. Despite attempts by the prosecution to have Mohamed remain silent, the situation continued to deteriorate. Matters intensified further after Hughes described Mohamed as “racial,” triggering a heated exchange in the courtroom.
Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty intervened as tensions rose. Hughes subsequently told the court he had little time remaining to complete his cross-examination and sought permission to leave. The morning session was consequently adjourned.
The trial is expected to resume Tuesday afternoon with another witness taking the stand. Mohamed is scheduled to return to the witness stand on Wednesday, April 29, for the continuation of her cross-examination.
Nine individuals are before the court charged with conspiring to manipulate the results of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections in favour of the APNU+AFC coalition, in an alleged attempt to deny victory to the PPP/C. Among those charged are former government minister Volda Lawrence, former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo and former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers.
The controversy surrounding the March 2020 elections delayed the declaration of results for five months, until Irfaan Ali was sworn in as President on August 2, 2020.
