The appeal hearing for five men convicted for their roles in the May 2, 2023 disturbances in Pikin Saron faced significant delays as multiple witnesses failed to appear before the court on November 28th.
Judicial proceedings encountered obstacles when two subpoenaed witnesses did not attend the session. One individual cited excessive travel distance to the cantonment court as the primary reason for absence, while another witness reported psychological distress preventing them from confronting memories of the traumatic events.
Defense attorney Murwin Dubois presented arguments regarding witness accountability, stating: ‘No distance is too great when it comes to establishing truth.’ The lawyer formally requested the court to implement consequences for non-appearance, emphasizing the judicial process’s integrity requirements.
Additional logistical complications emerged regarding a third witness who received their summons too late to arrange attendance, and a fourth witness who had previously reported illness during earlier proceedings and consequently wasn’t subpoenaed for this session.
The defense team raised further concerns about detainee treatment, specifically requesting that defendants not be transported via prisoner transport vehicles as late as 7 or 8 PM following court sessions. Defendant G.Z. elaborated on psychological vulnerabilities, revealing: ‘I’m under psychiatric care and require sleeping pills to rest. We request to be taken seriously—three months have passed without resolution.’
The court has scheduled continuation of proceedings for December 9th, allowing time to address these procedural and logistical challenges.