The High Court has decisively ruled in favor of former opposition representative Daniel Lugay, finding that he was unlawfully assaulted, wrongfully arrested, and falsely imprisoned by members of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF). The judgment, issued on April 1, 2025, comes after a detailed examination of the events surrounding a controversial incident outside the resident of Prime Minister Roosevelt on August 15, 2020.
Lugay, who was an elected member of the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) at the time, had alleged that the officers approached him and detained him without any legitimate reason. Testimony from Lugay, along with corroborating accounts from witnesses, including fellow opposition leader Lennox Linton and driver Oliver Walsh, painted a stark picture of the events that led to the arrest. They testified that Lugay was merely a bystander when the police intervened aggressively.
During the trial, the defense, representing the Attorney General’s office, maintained that the officers acted within their rights and denied any wrongdoing. However, the court found the evidence presented by Lugay and his witnesses more compelling, leading to a ruling that not only vindicated Lugay but also highlighted the need for reform in police practices.
The court concluded that Inspector Michael Sebastien and Corporal Martin Anatol acted without legal justification when they detained Lugay while he was merely observing a public altercation. The ruling emphasized that the officers failed to follow proper procedures and violated Lugay’s rights as a citizen.
In his judgment, Justice Colin Williams highlighted the lack of credible evidence to support the police’s claims that Lugay posed a threat or was obstructing their duties. The court found that the officers’ actions were not only excessive but also indicative of a broader issue of misconduct within the police force. Justice Charles noted, “This case underscores the necessity for law enforcement agencies to operate within the boundaries of the law and to respect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their political affiliations.”
“The Claimant was unlawfully detained and falsely imprisoned beyond a reasonable period, even after the Second Defendant became aware that the Claimant was not the individual responsible for harassing, obstructing, and verbally abusing the Prime Minister,” the judge stated in awarding damages. “Consequently, the First Defendant is ordered to compensate the Claimant with $5,500.00 in damages and $5,000.00 in costs, as previously agreed upon before the commencement of proceedings. The total sum of $10,500.00 is to be paid by the First Defendant no later than Wednesday, April 30, 2025.”
The full judgement can be read below.
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