The 19 fraud charges previously levelled against President Irfaan Ali over the sale of state lands in the ‘Pradoville 2’ Housing Scheme were this morning withdrawn by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).
SOCU’s prosecutor Patrice Henry indicated to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan that the unit was no longer proceeding with the charges, which were instituted prior to Ali’s recent swearing in as head of state.
When contacted, Henry explained to the Stabroek News that the charges were withdrawn in the interest of smooth and effective governance.
He said that while the president can be pursued after leaving office, the matter would have lost its utility by then, especially if he were to be elected to serve for a second term.
Henry explained, too, that there are countries such as Canada which bars entry to any person, whether a president or not, against whom charges of fraud are laid.
Against this background, he said that were the charges to remain, it would hamper Ali’s presidency and by extension have effects on Guyana at an international relations level.
The matter is set to be called this afternoon before the Court of Appeal, which is likely not going to render a ruling since SOCU has withdrawn the charges.
