DLP Attorney defends decision to write to DPP

Senior counsel Tony Astaphan has defended his legal team’s decision to write to the Director of Public Prosecutions to discontinue the treating matter against the Dominica Labour Party.

The case involves a filing against members of the DLP for alleged treating in the form of concerts organized ahead of the 2014 general elections.

The letter is calling for the Director of Public Prosecutions to discontinue the case which was recently thrown out by the CCJ which ruled that the matter should be brought back before the magistrate’s court for trial.

Astaphan argued on Saturday’s Next Level programme on Kairi FM that there is precedent around the region.

DLP Attorney, Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan

Meantime Senior Minister Reginald Austrie has thrown his support behind the decision of the DLP Lawyers to write to the Director of Public Prosecution to discontinue the matter.

Senior Minister Reginald Austrie.

Meantime speaking on Kairi’s Heng the Senior Minister and MP for Cottage, Reginald Austrie has dismissed a call to apologize to Attorney Cara Shillingford.

Mr. Austrie had criticized Shillingford in the wake of the CCJ ruling, prompting calls for his apology.

He says as a politician he has a right to defend his country and colleagues.

Senior Minister, Reginald Austrie

Shillingford has hinted on a radio talk show that she is considering some action, following Mr. Austrie’s comments.