UWP cries ‘political persecution’ in Dr. Sam Christian matter

Linton speaks with police officers outside Police Headquarters on Thursday morning

Leader of the Opposition and Political Leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) Lennox Linton, has described as “political persecution” the detention and charge of Dr. Sam Christian on allegations of “inciting to commit arson.”

On Thursday morning an unplanned show of support for Dr. Christian began outside Police Headquarters in Roseau after Linton and his colleagues received information of his detention.

Linton told Dominica News Online that the police were “dredging up” statements made by Dr. Christian at a political rally in 2015, saying it is political persecution.

“The police are dredging that up now claiming incitement and they have had in there since 9 o’ clock this morning. This is something now that involves all the people of Dominica because everybody who has a view about wrongdoings in the government and who expresses themselves in one way or another are likely to find themselves in the same position that Dr. Christian finds himself this morning,” he said.

He asked, “Why is it coming up now? Are you aware that this is 2017?”

Linton affirmed that the case is entirely political and “has nothing to do with 2015” but rather has “everything to do with what Dr. Christian is involved in right now.”

“The government and the police authority, the government giving instruction to the police authority, to harass whoever they can to send a message to people that it is not okay to protest,” Linton stated.

Meanwhile, member of the UWP, Thompson Fontaine, said that the case can be viewed as “naked political victimization.”

“He was very much involved in opposing the government,” Fontaine said, referring to Dr. Christian. “And that is the reason why we believe that happened.”

He said that whole issue is an attempt to silence the opposition.

“It’s an attempt to shut up the opposition to Prime Minister Skerrit. So we are calling on all Dominicans to come out in the numbers in support of Dr. Christian,” he said.

Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau Central Constituency Joseph Isaac shared the same views as Fontaine saying that the government is “really going after people.”

“I think the alleged matter they are talking about with Mr. Christian happened over two years ago. So they had enough time to deal with the matter if they wanted to deal with it,” Isaac said.

He thinks that all Dominicans should treat this situation as a serious matter and that the government and police authorities are indeed collaborating.

“To me, it’s almost like Africa where you have police and the government system actually going after people because of political reasons,” he stated.

Dr. Christian appeared in court on Thursday afternoon and represented by Joshua Francis and law firm Dyer and Dyer. He was granted bail in the sum of $20,000.

Scenes below at Police Headquarters on Thursday morning. 

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51 Comments

  1. KID ON THE BLOCK
    February 6, 2017

    I thought Edi Amin was dead!

  2. DA TRUTH
    February 5, 2017

    Lennox Linton should have let Joshua Francis be the leader of UWP. Lennox Linton is not charismatic enough to beat Mr. Skerrit and not handsome enough. He has no talent to convince people all he can think of in his little brain is PROTEST. He does not love dominica or dominicans and he is desperate for power to the point where he is willing to cause civil unrest. He has destroyed the UWP. Eddison James was a far better leader and speaker. He cannot even raise money to run a proper campaign, how will he be able to raise money and attract investment if he becomes prime minister?

  3. KID ON THE BLOCK
    February 5, 2017

    Life! Boy things in Life can be so strange…. When the DOMININICAN people in the Diaspora leave the Diaspora and come to Dominica and VOTE to put a Government THEY wish to run the country in POWER… UWPites have a BIG problem with that. Today they(UWPites) are asking the DOMINICAN people in the Diaspora to(COME) TAKE OUT a Government in Power. If the UWPites feel Dominican DIAPORIANS cannot put in a Government, WHY today THEY feel the Diaspora has the right to TAKE out a Government of the day by FORCE.?

  4. Ttireks
    February 5, 2017

    You mean to tell me with all the fake diplomats arrested. You Dominicans have not woke up as yet!!!

  5. Ttireks
    February 5, 2017

    Time is longer than twine.

  6. The Truth Be Told (Original)
    February 4, 2017

    The opposition and its supporters once more uphold wrong. If you were the government and someone made such a comment, what would your reaction be? What would you say?
    Have your meetings and protest but be careful what you say.
    Is it Lugay? He is fortunate that he escaped the Law when he made the comment: “If he were not a Christian he would murder. . . someone.”
    Be careful of your words. They could put you in trouble.

  7. Horton G
    February 4, 2017

    I am curious as to why DNO has not put on their site the voice messages sent out?

    It is the government responsibility to protect all citizens. THe voice text messages I heard was in no way innocent so the people who believe they could disrupt the country and other people rights for their rights should realize that if they have rights so does the next person.

    i have full confidence in the government to protect the rights of all citizens.

  8. Jaja
    February 4, 2017

    If UWP expect power to be bestowed upon them through ballot and not bullets,
    then it’s about time they truly focus on the People who will make this happen.
    The man from Roseau South, did that in 2014 . . . and humiliated DLP’s veteran. .

  9. mine
    February 4, 2017

    Erika pass you all did not learn next time will be fire come down fron the mountains. I saw erika in my dream and I also saw the fire too. Linton is the cause of all this problems ans you all can’t see it. I has never been like this in DA

    • mine
      February 4, 2017

      error It has never been

  10. Tj
    February 3, 2017

    The hand writing is on the wall the erred shirts are desperate, enough is enough !ot is time for the Skeritt to go quietly into the night.

  11. Tj
    February 3, 2017

    The hand writing is on the wall the erred shirts are desperate, enough is enough !

  12. Vanessa
    February 3, 2017

    Romans 12:19 “Vengeance is Mine, says the Lord”

  13. Dorian Shillingford
    February 3, 2017

    Time for cooler heads to prevail in our lovely Dominica. The government needs to relent and allow for debate and some transparency on the CBI program. Then they must have better and open, PARLIAMENTRY, governance and democracy.
    Then, the opposition must respect the process and avoid some of its political excesses.
    Finally, get rid of these lawsuits and attempts to stifle free speech. This is not Venezuela. It never will be. History tells us that.

  14. Hello
    February 3, 2017

    Lol, you have freedom of speech as long as it doesn’t Threaten people or an act of violence. Speaking to the police is useless. If they let him go then the police will be breaking the law.

  15. USA
    February 3, 2017

    If Skerrit is saying that all the information in the news is false then he should hold a press conference and clear the air once and for all. Quit hiding behind your lawyer Mr. Skerrit!!

    We the people need to hear from you now!! something just does not smell right.

  16. %
    February 3, 2017

    This patriot honourable Linton stands against injustice,unfairness,biasness and all manner of INEQUITIES delivered upon the population by this evil DLP regime…Well done sir!!You are surely a Dominican hero.In the face of everything,Honourable Linton is no hypocrite…He is what you see!

  17. Hey
    February 3, 2017

    Poor pity cry cry baby. LL how much money did you pay for his Lang? You of all people should be aware that you JUST can’t say anything you want. Is the statute of limitations off? Why do you think you could Dish and you cannot take? Stay tuned for more.

  18. Mahaut
    February 3, 2017

    The Wind Mills (ASP) , your time will come . you know who you are. You are the main instigator of all this , but your age will come up one day. We are keeping count.

  19. Mahaut
    February 3, 2017

    This sort of persecution will not deter us from keeping the pressure on Skerritt and his criminal enterprise.
    Skeritt must Go! Skeriit must Go!

  20. time has told
    February 3, 2017

    Watch the Nelson Mandela movie “Madiba” starring Lawrence Fishburne on BET. Saw it last night, and this movie is airily similar to our situation. where blacks protested their mistreatment by whites asking for equal rights and justice in South Africa, meanwhile the white Prime Minister created fake trumped up charges and sent his henchmen to arrest members of the ANC and other social groups demanding equality, all they got was the victimization of blacks and other non whites. Meanwhile the police arrested anyone who spoke up or opposed government regime upon the orders of the PM and killed indiscriminately. Eventually peaceful protest turned bloody and the black south africans decided enough was enough. Arms up and arms out. needless to say that there was a time when Mandela himself was enemy # 1 of the state. a known “criminial fugitive” hiding from the law. we all know what happened after he got out of jail decades later.

  21. KID ON THE BLOCK
    February 3, 2017

    Our PM shall and will not be moved!

  22. February 3, 2017

    Politicians continue to be hypocritical. If an ordinary citizen threatens another citizen that is an offense and it would not be news. But politicians believe that these simple rules don’t apply to them and cry foul when they are caught.

    • The Truth Be Told (Original)
      February 4, 2017

      A threat is a threat. It is a crime. If an ordinary citizen is threatened, that citizen has a right to lodge a complaint with the police and a Court case could ensue. It depends on that citizen. Therefore, do not water down this threat. It could very well happen.

  23. Thrilller
    February 3, 2017

    8-O but why them police holding up d man like that nah. As if Linton well cornered there we. 5 officers have to corner one man.

  24. My 2 Cents
    February 3, 2017

    Lennox I know you are not the brightest crayon in the pack but please get it through that thick skull of yours, you are in no way representing Dominicans. It’s time you and your little bunch of failure buddies realize you can barely get 20 to 25 people together and if you would look at the people you gather it’s a few paros, drug dealers and criminals. Not even 1% of the population of Dominica bothers with you Lennox. Edison choose you as the village idiot to take over from him and unfortunately you are nothing more than a nuisance to the other 99% of the population of Dominica.

  25. February 3, 2017

    Scare tactics to shut up the population will never prevail..United we stand.

    • %
      February 3, 2017

      You can say that again.What are these corrpt DLP people scared of?Is it Monfarrea,or the Dominican people?

  26. Man bites Dog
    February 3, 2017

    @ %, You are an idiot and much more to mention bet you went to University on a rubbish dump :-P :lol:

    • February 4, 2017

      You must have been sitting on a the same bench.

  27. Righteous
    February 3, 2017

    “To me, it’s almost like Africa where you have police and the government system actually going after people because of political reasons,” he stated. Really Isaac?

    • Not too smart
      February 3, 2017

      Does Joseph Isaac know anything about Africa? Is he aware that Africa is a continent? I cannot believe I’m reading this level of ignorance in 2017.

  28. Da4real
    February 3, 2017

    What a shame…. Never has this nonsense ever happened in Dominica with past regimes. I don’t remember any opposition leader so power hungry that they wud stoop this low.Dame Eugenia didn’t do it in the 70’s. Mike Douglas didn’t in the 80’s…Eddison James didn’t do it in the 90’s… But Lennox is different.. He is power hungry

    • Please help
      February 3, 2017

      So you mean to tell me you taking all your precious time and all the education you have ATTAINED to think and write that nonsense. Why do you think it’s power Lennox is hungry for? why don’t you look around you and see clearly what is going on and admit that things are not right and someone has to stop it from getting worst.You talking about history with former prime ministers why don’t you really research their history. History don’t alway have to be repeated. New history can be or made.Things don’t always have to happen the same way and have the same result ok.Have you ever known of any Dominican past prime minister to be involved with all these corrupt activities with corrupt men and women who are getting arrested all over the world??? the prove is right there for you go find it . Please answer me . If you stop and look and around and agree then you will understand why things are happening differently. If you don’t then we are in serious trouble when people like you go to the…

      • mine
        February 4, 2017

        lennox is power hungry.

    • time has told
      February 3, 2017

      This indecent didnt have anything to do with Lennox. Lennox spoke up against the injustice of his colleague. Why arrest a man for words he spoke 2 years ago. words that had no effect. the parliamentary building is still standing. Everyday people threaten the lives of leaders in passing by in rum shops on busses on the blocks everywhere, so are all these people supposed to be arrested also? the people are frustrated. But keep not listening and keep doing what you want with the country oh great labour party. keep it up. dont ever stop. gain more momentum and keep doing the country what you want. make your millions and billions on your little government salary.

      • Expat
        February 3, 2017

        A man can be arrested for something that happened two years ago. You people need to be educated. Do you know what statute of limitation means? Lenox is showing his true colors; if that man had spent time at a college or reputable institution he would know about statute of limitation. What a jackrabbit.

    • %
      February 3, 2017

      Stop your garbage about power hungry..Linton has shown himself to be the COMPLETE and quintessential opposition leader..He id dam GOOD!!!He fights for Dominica.Why do you think he has so much support?..The balderdash that
      you spewed suggests that you too would wine and dine with ALL the crooks and criminals who have our passports…SHAME ON YOU!Can’t wait to show my face in the place!

    • NUWP
      February 4, 2017

      You remember in 2014 the Hon. Prime Minister Dr. T Skirrit said to us at a rally “LENNOX LINTON IS A DANGER TO DOMINICA’s POLITICS”? Here we go with it. I concur he is such. PM was right den and even more now. ANOTHER THING I NOTICE IS THE AGE GROUP OF THE PROTESTERS. The youngest is about 55 years old. It clearly says the young people don’t want to be associated with such garbage. Because they know it is this govt who gave them the opportunity to obtain a collage education. Never before you see and govt done dat for them. Never before we see some many young people hace their own business. Never before so many young people have their own homes and vehicles and land. Where young public officers getting loan at 2&3 percent to build dr home. Never before a govt gave so many schoolerships in various field of studies to them. Never before we see these things happen. In every area u pass in this country u can see our young people engaging in something productive. But Lennox and UWP WELL…

    • D/can to De Bone(F)
      February 4, 2017

      Very power hungry. what a damn ugly situation in Dominica . Linton needs to be a constructive Opposition Leader. he engage in to much pity politic . he must learn to bring facts with his accusations so we can follow the leads to the source .

    • Jon Jones
      February 4, 2017

      @Da4real

      You state that Lennox is power hungry and moreso than any previous opposition. If this is your take on things then your reasoning must be far more emotional than logical.
      Has any previous leadership been embroiled in the levels of dishonesty and corruption as this administration? Lennox has a job to do and he is doing just that – exposing the dishonesty and corruption that you are obviously blind to.
      You sound like a red clinic dependent who is happy with his lot in life just like a slave who knows no better.

    • jonathan st jean
      February 4, 2017

      At a political meeting in St Joseph PM Skerritt called on his supporters to get up in the faces of UWP supporters and shout “traitor”. Does not matter where they are,in the church,on the bus,in the street in the supermarket,no matter where they are,shout traitor in their faces.Don’t tell me that this isn’t incitement.The question therefore is why wasn’t Skerritt arrested by the police.Well in light of what has just happened to Dr Fountain,I call on chief Carbon to detain Skerritt for questioning just like he did to Dr Fountain.This is blatant intimidation no more no less

    • February 4, 2017

      It’s only in the mind of the nonsensical people who believe Linton can put himself as PM and it’s time you all understand procedures and that’s the first thing to know.
      You talk about leaders in the pass that didn’t make sure a different about situation that were happening on the Island that they didn’t believe was best for the people and did something about it, well your now President of Dominica Charles Saverin was that leader in 1979 so I would suggest you had done some research before you comment and post.

  29. Horton G
    February 3, 2017

    Are these UWP members saying they and only they have a right to say and do whatever they want and no actions should be taken against them. Well Dominicans are tired of their campaign and destructive ways and I for one support that if they have proof of wrong doing bring it to the courts. Once and for all. We have had enough of their alternative facts we want factual facts. God bless Prime Minister Skeritt and the citizens of Dominica.

    • Real!!!!!
      February 3, 2017

      Horton G…where you living . SKerrit owns the courts.

      Da4real……Lennox Linton was standing up against corruption against this GOVT long before he came into politics, therefore I don’t see if he is still doing so while in politics he is now chastise as hungry for power.

      I hope you have a 20 dollar in your pocket now.

      Corruption in DA is at its highest in every institution of state in Dominica under this regime!!!!!!

    • Don’t you think you are a bloody fool!

      It appears you are a communist vying for a one party state; there must be an opposition in politics, to expose evil such a corruption, and thievery! No single tyrant should be allowed to dominate, and control the life’s the people in a nation, keeping them in poverty, while they, their children, and wife enjoy a life of wealth and luxury!

      Where is your commonsense? People are expressing their displeasure with the corruption and evil doing my Skerrit and his government, the have to right to demonstrate and voice their opinions, Dominica does not belong to Skerrit exclusively, and your kind. It is our country, it belongs to all of us who are born on the island. Shut up you idiot!

  30. Academic
    February 3, 2017

    They can do all that they want to now. One thing is certain, the signs are on the wall.
    Tony, it started in the last election!!!

    • %
      February 3, 2017

      With 17000 plus votes…Noone from abroad…Noone can touch that!!!

      • February 3, 2017

        Dream on!!!

      • Jon Jones
        February 4, 2017

        @%

        With the red clinic and a few sheets of galvanize, many Dominicans can be bought and sold quite cheaply. 17,000 people who probably still waiting for childrens hospital, airport, decent roads, etc.
        If he keeps them stupid and starving they will always be eating the scraps out of his hand while he and his cronies bankthe millions and keep fooling them with lies. It would be a lot cheaper than paying airfare and $500 spending money to fly them in. More savings for that Panama account right there

        They say ignorance is bliss – enjoy

    • NUWP
      February 4, 2017

      U are sooooooooooo right the signs are on the wall. Because I can see Lennox have millions to look for to pay for his tongue very soon for calling ministers raspiest. I can see Bubbles case coming soo and he will pay a lot for that too. I can see the writing on the wall where KPB Kieran Pinard Burn getting over $400,000.00 because Lennox LIED ON HIM. I can see the writing on the wall where he having to pay a lot to the PM for dis now filed case. And STICKY FINGERS ASELF HMMMM REMEMBER U HAVE A CASE COMING UP ALREADY FOR LYING ON THE PM SAYING HE SELLING PASSPORT. I know u can’t even pay ur loans because attempts are being made to seize all what u have INCLUDING THE LAND U HOFF DRE. Much more when PM finish with u on this case. Sikiri self hmm. Cus the underage child will say what she have to say. So we say no more. So yes the writing is on the wall. But one thing I am very sure off Lennox won’t run the next election. He have to run like Earl Williams. So once again the writing is…

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