……”Claims his comments were Misconstrued”
By FRANCIS JOSEPH
Misconstrued!
That is how Christopher Samaroo, father of Joshua Samaroo, described how his comments were interpreted on a radio programme last Sunday.
In fact, his comments on that radio programme, led to his arrest on Monday night at the St Clair Police Station.
Based on the advice of his attorney Aaron Lewis, Samaroo went to the Central Police Station on St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain around 5.30 pm, “to clear his name”. But police officers there had no information on him so he left the station.
While there, Samaroo heard from relatives that his Maraval home was visited by police officers. Samaroo then went to the Maraval Police Station seeking information on the reason for the visit of police officers at his home. Again, no information so he left that station.
Samaroo and his lawyer then went to a third station – St Clair. There he was approached by officers of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) where he was informed that he was “a person of interest”.
Samaroo was then detained and kept at the St Clair Police Station.
Lewis confirmed that Samaroo was held under Regulation 11 of the Emergency Powers Regulations. He said Samaroo is expected to remain in custody for at least the next 48 hours. Sunshine Today was informed that a decision on Samaroo will be made on Tuesday.
WHERE THE TROUBLE STARTED
Samaroo was asked to appear in a Father’s Day special on the Eye on Dependency programme, where he allegedly made the comment. Part of the interview was subsequently published on a social media page.
Samaroo said he went to the police station “to take front before front take me.” He said the article on the social media page had misrepresented what he actually said on the programme.
Lewis said Samaroo had become anxious by public commentary and advice generated from the published article that suggested his statements could be viewed as seditious, inciteful or provoking.
Lewis said his client surrendered himself and opted to have an open discussion with the police.
After visiting Central Police Station, Lewis said, “They (police) indicated that there was nothing, that they were not aware of anything against Mr Samaroo. Mr Samaroo made a report based on his fear as he very fearful of what could transpire, based on what was published.”
Samaroo’s son, Joshua, was killed in a police-involved incident in St Augustine, on January 20. Joshua’s girlfriend, Kaia Sealy, was injured and has to seek medical attention in the United States.
Weeks ago, Sealey was placed on eight charges including manslaughter in the death of Joshua.
