Five young men-including four minors and a 19-year-old LIU worker-were hauled before the Chief Magistrate this morning on charges of "assembling in a group of three or more" under the State of Emergency regulations. But the Chief Magistrate wasn't convinced the case should proceed, and ultimately dismissed the charges against them all.
Appearing unrepresented in court were 19-year-old Donie Wite, along with four minors: two 13-year-olds, a 14-year-old, and a 17-year-old-all students. The group was charged under the SOE.
The police allege the group was seen together near Administration Drive and Ordonez Street on Saturday morning around 9:00 and moved to detain them. But the Chief Magistrate, Deborah Rogers, took issue with the conduct of the arresting officers and the foundation of the charge itself.
She said, "It's entrapment when someone is arrested for something they don't know is a crime." She pointed out there were no warnings issued, no signs of disorderly behavior, and no prior offenses by any of the accused.
In court, Wite, the only adult charged, said, "We didn't know we were committing a crime. We weren't hanging out-we were just talking."
The Chief Magistrate described the situation as a "victimless offense," adding that the SOE is meant to prevent serious crimes, not penalize people for casual conversation. She advised the group to file complaints with the Professional Standards Branch.
The prosecution offered no objection, stating he would be guided by the court. As a result, all five defendants were released, and the charges officially dismissed.
