XN000022-1972-05-23 — Page 7

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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.

-

not one

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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