Two hauled before Magistrate for causing ethnic/ racial violence or hatred

…as ERC commences legal action against defaulters

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has commenced legal action against three individuals who had separately committed offences capable of resulting in racial or ethnic violence or hatred among the citizenry.

In a statement Thursday, the Commission said that through its lawyer Stanley Moore, SC it filed the complaints in the Georgetown Magistrates Court earlier this month.

The three defendants- John Gobin, Steve Anthony Barakat and Lashona Chester were arraigned before city Magistrate Rhondel Weever on December 9.

Based on the specific nature of their conduct and words, the charges against the defendants included causing ethnic/racial violence or hatred and exciting hostility or ill-will on the basis of race.

Gobin pleaded guilty and was fined $20,000. The Magistrate warned him not to repeat the offence or publish any similar material in the future.

Barakat pleaded not guilty and was placed on $30,000 bail. He was represented by Attorney -at-Law Latchmie Rahamat and his matter was adjourned to January 20, 2021 for trial.

The complaint against Lashona Chester could not be served despite vigorous attempts to locate her. The Magistrate ordered that steps be taken to summon her again and adjourned Chester’s matter to January 20, 2021 as well.