“I will fight them to the end. This and all other forms of injustices meted out to innocent citizens must come to an end.”
These were the words of CCN TV6 Crime Watch host Ian Alleyne, who spoke with the Express yesterday from his hospital bed at the Hibiscus Suite of the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope.
He said he was feeling much better, but doctors still had additional tests to perform today before he is discharged from the facility.
Alleyne said he was ready for his day in court today, and added that a Queen’s Counsel had already been retained to defend him.
According to Alleyne, “When my day in court reaches, it’s wetting after wetting, and I’m certain we will prevail because that’s what Crime Watch is all about—fighting for the poor and those who suffer injustices in all quarters in society.
“I still remain deeply saddened at what has transpired and the manner in which the police dealt with me. But nevertheless, with the support of all the law-abiding citizens out there, we’d weather this storm.”
Told of the four charges that were slapped against him on Friday, Alleyne said he wouldn’t allow the charges to deter him in hunting down criminals.
He said, “This phase shall surely pass and I want the country to know and people all over the world to know that we will continue to fight for the poor. All those criminals who have been rejoicing and saying it good for me, beware—because who laughs last laughs the best. We’re coming to get you.”
Two heavily armed officers assigned to the Western Division Task Force stood guard outside Room 305, where Alleyne remained yesterday.
Alleyne’s wife was visiting him at the time and, soon after, other family members and close friends poured into the room to greet him.
In the hospital lobby, scores of people waited for hours, hoping to be allowed to meet Alleyne.
Meanwhile, outside the hospital, a handful of Crime Watch supporters, armed with placards, staged a peaceful demonstration.
“Is Ian Alleyne a criminal, a bandit, a murderer? No he’s not. He a true messenger sent by God to rescue T&T,” one sign read, while another stated, “Ian Alleyne is our Commissioner for Justice. Where the justice system has failed, Mr Ian Alleyne came to thee rescue… He’s our hero.”
Officers from the Northern Division Task Force and the St Joseph CID remained at the entrance of the Mt Hope hospital and kept a close eye on the protesters to ensure law and order was maintained.
There were no incidents and, around 5.30 p.m., the demonstrators left for their homes and vowed to show up at the Port of Spain Magistrates’ Court today.
There has been mounting criticism about the manner in which the police and Alleyne behaved when a scuffle broke out as officers attempted to arrest him on Thursday night.
Shortly after the arrest, Alleyne complained of chest pains while in custody at the Port of Spain CID office and was taken to the Port of Spain General Hospital.
CCN TV6 also faces three charges under the Sexual Offences Act and will be served with three summonses. (CMC)
