AG: Arrests not about politics but due process

ATTORNEY General Faris Al-Rawi says the arrests of former of attorney general Anand Ramlogan and UNC Senator Gerald Ramdeen was not about politics.

He was speaking with the media during the lunch break at the House Wednesday.

He said as holder of the Office of the Attorney General he must respect the boundaries of that office.

"These are very serious matters which are destined to be managed by a process which involves the Director of Public Prosecutions and the TT Police Service. Obviously I am neither of those two offices and therefore ought not to properly speak in relation to those matters."

He added: "I can confirm, however, the Office of the Attorney General has been very busy since this Government's installation in ensuring that we discharge our duties with propriety and all materials that we find are referred to the relevant authorities for action. I think that is what is different on this occasion is that we have provided, with respect to a number of matters perhaps including this one, very fulsome information."

Al-Rawi said the Office of the AG has not taken the role of his predecessors "to stand up on a platform every Monday morning and speak to the wind on what is coming and not coming."

He said he must respect the process and people will have their say in the respective forums.

"Let's let the process continue."

Asked about the Opposition Leader linking the current arrests to arrests in the past close to election periods like Sadiq Baksh and Basdeo Panday Al-Rawi asked if Persad-Bissessar reflected on the fact this is the second time Ramlogan has been arrested.

"Mrs Persad-Bissessar is fighting for her political survival and relevance. And Mrs Persad-Bissessar will do what she must. I can offer no advice to the Leader of the Opposition nor any complaint. There is a freedom political expression and political will in this country."

Al-Rawi said this Government will discharge its responsibilities without fear or favour.