Stabroek News
May 19, 2001

The charges against talk-show hosts, Ronald Waddell and Mark Benschop are to be amended, according to Inspector of Police, Faye Bremner.

Bremner made this disclosure yesterday before Chief Magistrate, Paul Fung-A-Fat, when the matter was called. She also said that a special prosecutor would be appointed to conduct the cases against the two. Attorney-at-law Basil Williams spoke on behalf of both accused.

The chief magistrate also recalled the arrest warrant he had issued for Waddell on Tuesday last, stating that the transport lodged with the court was in order.

Waddell, television host of "University on 9" on NBTV Channel 9, made his first appearance in court on Tuesday last charged with two counts of sedition and the magistrate had issued an arrest warrant for him a few hours after he had placed him on $1 million surety.

The magistrate had returned to his chambers to hear an arrest warrant application from the police later the same day. It was reported that after Waddell left the court it was discovered that the piece of paper he had signed was invalid since it was not prepared in keeping with procedures and that no document fulfilling the bond requirement was lodged with the court.

Waddell is accused of uttering and publishing to the citizens of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, on January 17, 2001, a seditious speech. He allegedly committed the same offence on April 9.

His lawyer, James Patterson, had argued that the charges were bad in law since they did not disclose an offence known to the Laws of Guyana. The prosecutor had then asked the court to seek advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The charges of sedition and incitement to commit murder against Benschop are to be amended. However, the charge of disorderly behaviour, allegedly committed at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on May 14 will stand as it is.

The former host of 'Straight Up' had his bail reduced from $500,000 to $200,000 on Thursday by the chief magistrate.

He was said to have committed the offences of sedition and incitement to commit murder on April 11 on NBTV Channel 9. He allegedly urged the police to murder Commissioner of Police, Laurie Lewis when he stated "...I am calling on all police officers to turn your weapons on Laurie Lewis, give him a few, you know what I mean, pellets, bullets that is". Bremner said this charge was expected to be changed to, attempt to procure policemen and police officers to commit murder.

In relation to the sedition charge he reportedly stated that "The Guyana Police Force has to understand that they are outnumbered so if they kill one or two they cannot kill all, They are outnumbered and therefore they must be careful".

A large crowd gathered in the courtroom and compound to hear the cases. Both men were hugged and kissed by mostly female supporters when they exited the courtroom.

The two will return to court on June 7.