Trial of Doctor Accused of Sexual Assault Adjourned Again, Resumes January 2025

The trial of a doctor accused of sexually assaulting a patient during an ultrasound last year has been adjourned again.The accused, 40-year-old radiologist Dr. Desmond Arzu, appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court today, where he learned of the adjournment. Dr. Arzu, who was charged with sexual assault in May 2023, appeared before a Senior Magistrate in Court #2 this morning for the continuation of his trial. Represented by attorneys Bryan Neal and Arthur Saldivar, the proceedings were delayed as the prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, was unavailable due to her engagement in another matter at the High Court. After standing down the case for nearly an hour, the Senior Magistrate adjourned the trial to Tuesday, January 21, 2025. The allegations against Dr. Arzu stem from an incident on March 26, 2023, when a female patient in her early 20s claims she was sexually assaulted during an abdominal ultrasound procedure. According to the victim, who has already testified in the trial, the incident began under the guise of a routine examination. She claims that during the procedure, Dr. Arzu inappropriately inserted his fingers into her vagina, removed his mask and glasses, and attempted to make eye contact. When she turned her face away, feeling uncomfortable, she alleges that he reinserted his fingers and used his other hand to touch her breasts. Horrified and shocked, the victim says she pushed his hands away and left the examination feeling deeply violated. Dr. Arzu, who maintains his innocence, remains free on bail, which was granted at the time of his arraignment. His defense team has raised objections to certain aspects of the trial, including the victim’s testimony being conducted virtually. Attorney Saldivar has indicated his preference for the complainant to appear in person for cross-examination—a matter the court will address in January. This high-profile case was transferred from the Dangriga Magistrate’s Court to Belize City earlier this year, with the trial beginning in July. Today’s courtroom saw Dr. Arzu accompanied by family members, including his father and sister, who have stood by him throughout the proceedings. The allegations against Dr. Arzu have shocked many, raising concerns about the conduct of medical professionals and the safety of patients. The trial is set to continue in January, and we will bring you the latest developments as they happen. For now, the court has set January 21, 2025, as the next hearing date. Until then, Dr. Arzu remains on bail, awaiting the continuation of his trial.