Oscar Selgado’s Abetment to Murder Trial Continues

The abetment to commit murder trial of attorney Oscar Selgado continued in the High Court of Belize today. The trial is still in the voir dire (trial within a trial) phase, where aspects of the prosecution’s evidence are being scrutinized. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams took the stand to continue his testimony today, followed by Selgado who took the stand to give a sworn testimony. Inside the courtroom, he swore under oath that he did not speak with or have any dealings with the alleged hitman, Giovanni Ramirez. The court adjourned until November 6, when he will be cross-examined by Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl Lynn Vidal. Outside the courtroom, Selgado who was furious with the media last week was apologetic saying that he had just lost his cool.

Oscar Selgado, Accused of Abetment to Commit Murder: “I think I just used the wrong words last week when I addressed the media. Please forgive me for it. I’m a friend of the media and I will cooperate with the media whenever the case is finished. I was apprehensive because I’m used to being on one side not the other side in court. I’m used to being the defense counsel not the defendant. And as I addressed the court a while ago Friday will be my birthday. I’ll be 54 on Friday and I’ve never been to court as a defendant in my life. So I was a bit apprehensive and I think I lost my cool but my apologies to not only the media but to the Belizean public who probably got the wrong impression that I was rough. But as soon as the trial is finished, I will have a word with the media and express what I think.”

Selgado said that the trial has impacted his life and public image but he is still being supported by his clients, and thanks to the constitutional protections, he can still practice law while the matter is still before the court.

Oscar Selgado, Accused of Abetment to Commit Murder: “I was the chairman of the Labor Advisory Board and I thought that it was in the best interest of the board to have a chairman that is not embroiled in some sort of scandal. This is a scandal, you know, but my public image, my clients know who I am. My clients know my worth as an attorney and none of my clients are deterred by me being charged for an unfounded allegation. None of them. As a matter of fact, most of my clients have called me to express support for me. Thanks to the Constitution of Belize. The Constitution of Belize provides that every person is innocent until proven guilty. So unless a person confesses to an allegation or is found guilty by a court, that person should not be deprived of his means of livelihood. This is my means of livelihood and it will be unjustifiable and it will be punishing me for something that I have not been convicted for if the General Legal Counsel was to say let him be disbarred for the period or suspended for the period. How would I eat?”