COI Leader Charged With Unlawful And Idle Assembly

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Coalition of Independents Leader Lincoln Bain and several supporters stood before a magistrate today facing a number of charges stemming from Wednesday’s protest which ended in chaos.

The COI leader was charged with unlawful and idle assembly.

Lincoln Bain and party Chairman Charlotte Green were among 18 people arraigned following an attempted protest this past Wednesday.

Before court even began, shouting could be heard coming from the cellblock, believed to be bain and his supporters.

In court, Bain was charged with one count of unlawful assembly and one count of idle assembly on February 15th.

He pleaded not guilty to both charges and was granted $2,000 bail with 1 or two sureties.

Bain however informed the court that he has to travel to the United States to care for his special needs child on some weekends.

To that Magistrate Caroline Vough Evans ruled that he is to sign into the South Beach Police Station once a month.

As for Green, she was charged with unlawful assembly, disorderly behavior, idle assembly, and resisting arrest.

She pleaded not guilty to those charges and was given $4,000 bail with one or two sureties. She is required to sign in at the South Beach Police Station once a week.

Crystal Smith was also among the group arraigned today she was hit with unlawful assembly, resisting arrest, and idle assembly charges. She too pleaded not guilty to the charges.

However when she entered the court she was limping.

Her attorney Elsworth Johnson told the court that she was assaulted by a police officer.

The magistrate then order a release form for her and released her in the custody of her sister.

She is to return to court on Monday for the completion of her bail application.

As for the other supporters arraigned today, they were all hit with similar charges. They all pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.