Lugay: arrest and charge

Supporters of the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) were stunned by the news that on Thursday July 17 2014 Senator Daniel Lugay was arrested and charged for "inciting to murder Alick Lawrence."

On July 3, 2014 in Soufriere Lugay said: "You know, not too long ago we met with the Electoral Commission and I am looking Alick Lawrence in the face right, and he wouldn't say a word, you know, and these are the guys that obstructing electoral reform in Dominica.

"You know I have said in a public meeting in Fond Cole, if I wasn't a believer I would take out some people in Dominica, you know. My heart is different and that is the only reason why I wouldn't do it, but it have some people that deserve to die in Dominica. Honestly, when you see the sort of things that they do to keep back Dominica."

Reacting to the statement, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit publically asked the police to "investigate" the matter. Shortly afterwards Lugay publically apologized to the public for his comments. The police then called Lugay in to be interviewed in the presence of his attorney. He was subsequently released.

Soon afterwards, the police asked Lugay to report to police headquarters on July 17, 2014; he arrived with his attorney and was told that he was "under arrest."

On Thursday July 17, 2014 Lugay appeared before Magistrate Bernard Pacquette where the charge was read to him. He was not required to plea because it is an indictable charge.

Leading the prosecution's case was Acting Inspector Valda Powell who neither objected to bail nor placed conditions on Lugay's activities; bail set at EC$8,000 and the public inquiry is set for November 17, 2014. His legal team is led by Joshua Francis, Gildon Richards and Cara Shillingford.

Speaking to the press moments after his release from the court, Senator Lugay said: "I thank my entire legal team for their support, my mom and the prayer warriors. Whatever was meant for my demise, God will turn it around. Anytime you are going to purify gold, it must go through the fire, so the fire has just started, gold will be purified."

Political leader Lennox Linton described the day as historic.

"Today we witness an historic moment in the political life of Dominica where Danny Lugay was arrested and charged for "incitement to murder Alick Lawrence," Linton said. Lugay, he said, has apologized for the statement.

Lugay's lead lawyer Joshua Francis expressed confidence about the case and that his client will be judged not guilty.

"For that offense to be successful you must have the evidence and they have no evidence whatsoever and we are confident that he will be acquitted," Francis said.