Chris Must List trial to be set in January

Derek Achong

A date for the sedition trial of Canadian Youtuber Christopher “Chris Must List” Hughes is expected to be set in January, next year. 

Acting Chief Magistrate Christine Charles gave the indication as Hughes reappeared before her this morning. 

Hughes requested a lengthy adjournment as he said that he has trips booked including to Africa and could only return to Trinidad after January 7. 

Hughes also enquired whether he could participate in the case via video conferencing while continuing his travels. 

Magistrate Charles said she had no power to vary his bail conditions including one that requires him to return to this country for each court appearance. She advised him to apply to the High Court for a variation. 

During the hearing, attorney Russell Warner, who was among the team of attorneys which represented Hughes in previous hearings, applied for him, Pamela Elder, SC, and Anand Ramlogan, SC, to withdraw from the case. 

“We are regrettably at an impasse with Mr Hughes and are forced to withdraw,” Warner said. 

The application was granted. 

Earlier this week, Hughes indicated that he would represent himself after he received a US$50,000 invoice from some members of his legal team. 

He reiterated the position before Magistrate Charles. 

“For the time being I am going to stand before the court and defend myself,” he said. 

However, he did not rule out retaining another attorney before the case goes to trial. 

“I will make a decision before the next hearing,” he said. 

Magistrate Charles warned him of the potential consequences if he is eventually convicted. 

“The maximum penalty is a term of imprisonment of two years,” she said. 

Before adjourning the case to January 14, Magistrate Charles set deadlines for prosecutors from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to file and serve the remaining evidence against Hughes. 

Prosecutor Valene Guerra-Abraham indicated that the “bulk” of the evidence had been disclosed except two to three witness statements. The remaining evidence is expected to be disclosed by the end of next month. 

In May, Hughes, a 45-year-old father of three, was charged with publishing a statement with a seditious intent. 

The charges relate to videos Hughes posted during a lengthy visit to this country, earlier this year. 

He pleaded not guilty to the offence and was granted $100,000 bail. His bail was subsequently varied to allow him to leave the country and return for court. 

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