HGP Nightly News Reports | City businessman Randy Jagdeo was acquitted on Friday after the Diamond Magistrate upheld a no-case submission, determining that the charge of inciting a treason felony against him was legally defective and lacking sufficient evidential support.
Jagdeo, 39, of Alexander Village, faced the charge under Section 314 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, Chapter 8:01, before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Court. His attorneys, Everton Singh-Lammy and Glenn Hanoman, successfully argued that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case.
The charge arose from allegations that Jagdeo incited individuals to commit treason, a serious offence that could carry a life sentence. Prosecutors referenced a controversial Facebook comment and signage displayed at his business on the East Bank of Demerara as part of their evidence.
Throughout the proceedings, Jagdeo was granted bail set at GY$350,000 and was required to surrender his passport, report monthly to the Head of the Police Cyber Crimes Unit, and refrain from posting on social media. The case had been scheduled for an adjournment to June 16, 2025.
Following the court’s ruling, the treason charge was dismissed, and Jagdeo was officially discharged from any wrongdoing. This outcome underscores the complexities involved in legal cases pertaining to public commentary and freedom of expression.
