The three men charged with the abduction and murder of senior Customs official Nigel Christian are expected to inform the High Court today whether they will testify in their own defence, according to Antigua Observer.
Saleim Harrigan, Wayne Thomas, and Lasean Bully face charges in connection with the abduction and killing of Christian. As reported by Antigua Observer, the accused must each indicate to the court whether they will remain silent, give sworn evidence from the witness box, or deliver an unsworn statement from the dock.
The decision each defendant makes carries significant legal weight. Sworn testimony from the witness box subjects the accused to cross-examination by the prosecution, while an unsworn statement from the dock does not. Choosing to remain silent is also a right afforded to the accused under the law.
