Canadian Youtuber Christopher “Chris Must List” Hughes will have to approach the High Court if he would like to participate in his sedition case via video conference while he continues his travels around the world.
Hughes made the request when he reappeared before acting Chief Magistrate Christine Charles, yesterday morning.
During the hearing, Hughes claimed that he had trips booked, including to several African countries, and could only return to Trinidad for the case in January, next year.
“My request is that I can appear on camera anywhere in the world, so it would not affect my ability to travel,” Hughes said.
Magistrate Charles stated that she could not facilitate the request as she had no power to vary his bail conditions including one that required him to return to this country for each court appearance. She advised him to apply to the High Court for a variation.
“I have no jurisdiction to vary that order. I have no power to tell you that you can appear virtually,” she said.
At the start of 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.
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.
State 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.
Magistrate Charles reminded Hughes that he was required to make filings in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Rules including giving indications over potential evidential objections and over the witnesses who may require cross-examination.
The case was adjourned to January 14, next year, when Magistrate Charles is expected to set a date for the trial of the case.
In May, Hughes, a 45-year-old father of three, was charged with publishing a statement with a seditious intent. The charge relates to posts on his travel vlog 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.
The case is also being prosecuted by Danielle Thompson.
