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Tuesday, May 23, 1972
ILLEGAL DEMONSTRATION IN CENTRAL DISTRICT ON MAY 13
Attorney General Decides Not To Prosecute
The Attorney General has decided not to prosecute any of the people
who took part in the illegal demonstration in the Central District on May 13.
The Hon. D.T.E. Roberts emphasised this afternoon that the decision
did not mean that persons flouting the law in a similar manner in the future
could expect to be treated so leniently.
Mr. Roberts said: "The fact that an offence has been committed
does not necessarily mean that prosecution will inevitably follow. In this
particular case, I do not think the public interest would be best served
by prosecution.'
Fr
The Attorney General said the decision was entirely his
taken either by the Police or the Government.
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He explained: "As Attorney General, I am in sole control of all
prosecutions and the decision whether or not to pursue a particular case
is entirely mine, not that of the Commissioner of Police nor of the Government."
Mr. Roberts said he had consulted other Government departments before
making his decision. "It is normal for me, before a decision is taken on a
prosecution which has wide implications to consult Government departments and
officials and other persons whom I think may be able to tender useful advice to me.
Explaining the reasons for deciding not to prosecute, the Attorney
General said: "This was a demonstration which was beyond any doubt totally
illegal. On the other hand, we were very fortunate in that no trouble arose
during the course of the demonstration.
"The youngsters
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