Hadeeds challenge detention ruling

Businessman Dominic Hadeed and his wife, Genevieve, are appealing a High Court decision that refused to order their release from detention under Trinidad and Tobago's state of emergency regulations. Their legal team is arguing before the Court of Appeal that the High Court judge placed too much emphasis on intelligence that has not been tested, while giving insufficient weight to their constitutional right to liberty.

The couple's procedural appeal challenges Justice Frank Seepersad's June 30 ruling, which dismissed their application for interim relief. Justice Seepersad had found it highly likely that their arrest and continued detention under the Emergency Powers Regulations (EPR) would ultimately be deemed lawful. They are now seeking to have that decision overturned and to be released immediately while their judicial review and constitutional challenge are heard on July 27. Alternatively, they request release under conditions, such as detention at their home with police supervision.

The Hadeeds were arrested on June 24 following a search of their Westmoorings residence, where officers were seeking electronic devices related to an alleged conspiracy to murder. During their habeas corpus application, evidence was presented that police informed the couple of intelligence suggesting they conspired with others to assassinate Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Attorney General John Jeremie, and other government members. Police also alleged they were suspects for making statements prejudicial to public safety under Regulation 11 of the EPR.

Initially detained under Regulation 13, their detention was extended under Regulation 13(3) due to ongoing investigations. Subsequently, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander issued preventive detention orders (PDOs) under Regulation 14, authorizing their continued detention based on intelligence indicating their involvement in an assassination plot and posing a threat to public safety and national security. They remain in prison custody without formal charges.