Director of Public Prosecutions Clement Joseph (right) publicly berated defence attorney Andrew Okola (left).
A heated outburst erupted in the High Court hallway yesterday when Director of Public Prosecutions Clement Joseph publicly berated defence attorney Andrew Okola, leaving lawyers, court officers and civilians stunned.
The incident occurred as O’kola was walking through the hallway while Joseph was seated nearby. The DPP called out to the attorney about a letter he had written to him, saying he was “doing too much” and dismissing it as “BS” before launching into a loud tirade.
O’kola responded that he was simply doing his job and was not asking for personal favours, but Joseph continued his verbal attack, raising his voice and drawing the attention of more onlookers in the courthouse.
Witnesses described visible shock among those present, with persons remarking that the behaviour was inappropriate for a senior law officer.
Joseph, a Dominican national, was appointed Director of Public Prosecutions of Antigua and Barbuda in May.
they get ppl off on technically stuff not innocent or guilt. Unfortunately the law has a lot of loop holes. sad
“A heated outburst erupted in the High Court hallway this morning” Please work on your editing. Clearly this story was written on Friday. That story lacks substance. Just sound like some melee
maybe , just maybe it’s from Friday but Court is held on the weekends from time to time.
It the facts are correct re the public verbal dressing down of a respected member of the bar, then the DPP ought to be publicly reprimanded by a relevant authority.
Wow… the DPP should know better. Professionalism should never go out the window, especially in a public space.
The DPP has just come and has been arrogant in his mannerism and very aggressive in his behavior already carrying the I am always right you must now to me approach
What kind of mele is that tho
We keep hearing about accountability for everyone else what about accountability in the DPP’s office?
Every professional has stress, but self-control is part of the job. The DPP should apologise publicly if this report is accurate.
That must have been quite a scene. Tensions in legal cases can get personal, but it’s still surprising to hear.
Antigua’s legal fraternity needs to set higher standards. This isn’t how justice is supposed to look in the public eye.
That kind of behaviour is totally uncalled for from someone holding the office of DPP. The public expects professionalism, not public outbursts.
This office carries too much weight for its holder to act like that. Let’s hope the Attorney General takes note.
I was in the hallway when it happened. Everybody stopped and stared. It was embarrassing to say the least.