JUSTICE Jainarine Singh yesterday admonished those who have cases pending at the Berbice Assizes but wish to discontinue the prosecution that they must inform the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) or a Police Inspector.
He issued the directive after ruling that Ganesh Dukharran had no case to answer and discharged him. Dukharran had been indicted on three counts of rape, indecent assault and unlawful wounding, offences alleged to have been committed at Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, on January 13, 1997.

Justice Singh took sworn testimony from 25-year-old Shanti Joseph, who opted not to give any evidence against the accused.

Rebuking her, the judge said:"You have wasted the State's time and money. It was your duty to contact the DPP or the Inspector of Police and inform them of your decision which I am sure you made a long time ago."

Justice Singh then told the discharged Dukharran:"You are a lucky man. It is time you turn to the Church and pray to God."

[Editor's Note: Unfortunately, this kind of action by women to NOT charge sexual aggressors and rapists helps to setback the fight against sexual agression. There are quite a number of cases like this each year. In fact, many never make it to the court room. It is our belief that dozens of women get raped each year in Guyana and never press charges or make any complaint whatsoever against their attackers/aggressors. We urge women to think about this seriously, and to help prevent this from happening. There is no excuse for rape and there is no shame in pressing charges against rapists.]        <<< Page X                                                                        Page X>>>