Yesterday, you heard that rare public statement from DPP Cheryl-Lyn Vidal in which she expressed her disappointment that members of the Belizean public are attempting to call her integrity in question, as a sort of guilt by association.
As we told you, an officer assigned as her security detail has been accused of being involved in the most recent drug plane landing in Southern Belize. And as viewers are aware, she is also the estranged wife of ACP Marco Vidal, whose trike team is at the centre of the investigation.
Well today, the Bar Association of Belize issued a statement in support of the DPP, and as a caution for pre-judgment against the accused "Bladen 11."
Their statement says, quote, "The Bar…. expresses its disappointment at the premature public condemnation of law enforcement officers alleged to have been involved in drug trafficking discovered on Friday 5th October 2021…all accused persons are entitled to be convicted by trial before a court…and not trial by the press or by social media." End quote.
And in defence of the DPP, the Bar says, quote, "The Bar Association also notes with concern the many baseless and scurrilous statements on social media attempting to link the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Cheryl-Lynn Vidal SC, to the offense on the basis of the alleged involvement of a police officer assigned as her security detail and by virtue of the position held in the police force by her estranged husband. Again the allegations are speculative, irresponsible, and indeed defamatory.
…As Belize's Director of Public Prosecutions, she has executed her constitutional duties with dedication, competence, integrity, and high ethical standards." End quote.
