Wednesday, June 18 2008

TWENTY seven convicted killers will get to make out a case for their possible release from prison in a lawsuit which challenges the natural life sentences imposed on them.

All 27 prisoners will not be heard as trial judge Justice Nolan Bereaux said he could not hear all the applications.

Instead, six cases have been singled out and these cases will benefit everyone in the group.

Bereaux has set aside three days in December for the hearing of the case in which the 27 convicted killers have argued that their term of incarceration for the rest of their natural life and for imprisonment for 75 years is unconstitutional.

The six prisoners chosen were Deshan Ramphary, Norbert Williams, Dexter Lendore, Evans Xavier, Victor Baptiste and Allan Henry.

The men’s death sentences were commuted to natural life imprisonment and imprisonment for 75 years. The first batch was done in 1994 by then President Noor Hassanali and in 1996 another group had their sentences commuted.

A third group also had their sentences commuted in 1998. All 27 escaped the hangman’s noose and are now seeking their freedom.

At a hearing on Monday, Bereaux ordered the State to file affidavits on or before August 30 and attorneys for the men were given until September 7.