'Dudus' prepares for trial

BY HAROLD BAILEY Observer correspondent

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

NEW YORK, USA — With the matter of his legal representation now settled, former Tivoli Gardens don and accused drug and weapons dealer Christopher 'Dudus' Coke is now involved in intense preparations for his upcoming trial here.

Steve Zissou, one of two high-profile attorneys representing Coke, told the Observer in a weekend interview that prosecutors are still providing the defence with material, despite the expiration of a court-ordered date for this to be done.

He said, however, that "there is nothing unusual about this", and that the defence team will be ready for Coke's next scheduled court appearance on September 7, although more material evidence is to be turned over to the defence.

Without elaborating, Zissou said that "there is likely to be dispute over some of the material".

He said that so far, there is nothing in the evidence provided — especially audio recordings — "that have any bearing on the allegations against Mr Coke".

This seems to have bolstered the defence's belief that they will be able to clear Coke.

"We will prevail at trial," Zissou told the Observer.

Except for motions of a schedule and the possible setting of a trial date, Zissou said he does not expect a great deal to happen during Coke's next court appearance.

Coke has been in custody here since June after being extradited on allegations of drugs and illegal weapons charges. Prosecutors here have maintained that "the evidence against Coke is compelling and creditable".

The extradition proceedings, which spanned a nine-month period and caused a diplomatic stand-off between Jamaica and the United States, triggered civil unrest in a section of Kingston, the Jamaican capital, in May.

More than 70 persons, including a soldier, were killed when the security forces went into Coke's heavily barricaded Tivoli Gardens stronghold in order to arrest him and to restore order after gunmen loyal to Coke had launched unprovoked attacks on police and soldiers.

Coke escaped during the May 24 operation but was captured on June 23. He waived his right to an extradition hearing and was flown to the US on June 24.

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COMMENTS (7)

ray grant
9/1/2010

i cant believe what im reading ,dont know why though its typical of jamaicans our memories havent always been our best assest

Bal Ance
9/1/2010

Mr Coke had dealings with both the JLP and PNP. Unless he reveals them I wish him a long life in prison

Richard Edwards
9/1/2010

Jacqulein you have to be out of your mind, Jamaica bringing charges agains Coke? You must not know how Jamaica operate. So let me tell you this, had it not been for the US sending an entradition request for Coke, he would be still in Jamaica doing business as usual, no one would touch him. Maybe we are talking about two different Jamaica Ms Samms.Don't hld your breadth.
R. Edwards NYC
betterlifeforjamaicans@yahoo.com

Norman Lee
9/1/2010

Dudus will have his day in court and all the allegations will have to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. Bruce & Dor acted to prevent this. Such actions are commonly referred to as obstruction of justice. They are still "leaders" of a sovereign govt, using taxpayers money going around JA, hell bent to convince the people that their egregious actions broke no law, yet still won’t tell all. This is what sinks the career of "politics" deeper into the cesspool. Patience, people, the end is near!

Paul Ffrench
9/1/2010

I think Mr. Coke could play a huge role in influencing the youths to depart from a life of crime if he chooses to do so. He still wields a lot of influence on those minds and if he is used to provide employment for these youths i think that he could be a major influence on them since they look up to him so much. It is for this reason that I believe that it might not be such a bad idea for him to be cleared. Maybe this episode will be a wake up call for him or it could backfire, its a risk

Jacqueline Samms
9/1/2010

Hopefully Jamaica will bring charges against Coke

michelle michelle
9/1/2010

Hopefully Presi's name will be cleared and he can return to his country . He would have had months to think about becoming a better person. he have done a lot of kind deeds to others that are more disadvantaged and would have more positive insight to offer the youths of Jamaica.
Keep in mind that the legasy be it not great was handed down to him and hopefully after this ordeal is over , he will have more to offer to mankind.
I personally will not allow the govt to taint my mind .

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