Not guilty

It was finally time for defence’s closing statement.

Aziza stood up with a dazzling smile she was famous for. Walking slowly across the court, looking at each one of the states Lawyers and Advocates. There was no need for her to say anything, she already won but this was her tuff, she was born for it and she will make sure they never forget it.

It’s a beautiful day in Asherway. This day should be recorded in history books because never  has it ever occurred in this country that a panel of all white Lawyers and Advocates represent a black man, pro bono. It makes you wonder what is so special about this case and what is in it for them. 

A big cheer was heard from the audience signifying their agreement with her statement.

Silence in court, irritated court marshal commanded.

You honour my client is a respected activist who has sacrificed a lot for our people. Instead of him being celebrated and acknowledged, we are here handing him to the oppressors on a silver platter for them to crucify him, again. She said looking at the state legal team whose heads had now dropped.

A cheer from the audience was heard, louder than the previous one.

Marlone knew he should object but he had objected so many times that he was feeling like an idiot. He swallowed his pride and braced himself, it can’t get any worst than this anyway, he thought.

Silence in court! Judge Laymore commanded. He was already irritated with himself for allowing the case to come to court and getting impatient with Aziza who was rubbing it on their faces.

Seeing the irritation on the judge and states team was very satisfying to Aziza. She had no intention of making this easy for them.What message are we sending our youth? Old regime soldiers won’t gun us down on the streets anymore like they did to our parents because they now have a more sophisticated way to do it? They don’t train soldiers anymore but produce advocates, lawyers and judges and crucify us through the court of law, genius plan! she exclaimed.

Marlone could not take it anymore, irritation combined with anger saw him jumping off his seat and screaming. Objection your honour! the counsel is deviating from the case with unsubstantiated allegations and pure disrespect for this court.

Sustained, Advocate  retract your statement. If you continue attacking the state and disrespect this court, you will be found in contempt. Judge Laymore said.

Apologies your honour, injustices of the previous regime get me emotional. Surely you can understand that. She said, looking at the judge with her innocent smile and puppy eyes before going for jaguar.

Unsubstantiated allegations brought us here today and this court allowed it. The previous regime monitored my client and photographed him crossing the border the exact time he is charged with murder of a fellow activist. This court has access to those files but here we are, a black man has to somehow prove to this court that he can’t be in two places at once because he has no superpowers to achieve that.

We all want to know who killed Luke the brave one. He was a great leader and his family needs that closure. She made eye contact with Luke’s wife, her sympathy showing on her face. Someone is skilfully using your pain and vulnerability to kill two birds with one stone. Divide and have them fighting and accusing each other, we won’t allow it. We don’t know who the killer is, what we know for certain is their skin colour definitely does not resemble that of  my client.

Marlone threw his hands in the air, burning with anger. Objection your honour! This is madness.

That’s it Advocate Grey, this court suspends your license for six months. Judge Laymore instructed police to remove Aziza from the court premises.

Like I said your honour, sophisticated way to crucify us, she said packing her files and walking out with an applause following behind her as half of the audience stood up and followed her outside.

Judge Laymore was caught by surprise. The media was still recording. The defence bench was now empty and the court was left with only one race, somehow proving Advocate Grey’s allegations.

In his absence, this court finds Mr John May not guilty of the charges. This court agrees with the defence that there was no case here and the state has waisted resources bringing it here. The court therefore orders the state to cover all defence expenses. This  court is adjourned. He knocked his gavel very hard and stomped out, leaving very embarrassed and defeated state Lawyers and Advocates behind.

Detective Peter looked at Steve who was clearly not impressed. Steve, I assure you I had nothing to do with this. I am also as shocked about it. I did not look at the archives because I had no reason to doubt the evidence we had. 

He had worked with Peter for a long time and could tell that he was being sincere. If what you are saying is true then we are both being played and I don’t like it.

Me either, Peter sighed.