Gurkhas go on trial next month

And still on the subject of the United Kingdom, today that country’s resident representative in Belize confirmed that a group of Gurkhas soldiers will go on trial in Belize for the 2001 killing of David Zabaneh at Raul’s Rose Garden in Ladyville. High Commissioner Philip Priestly says the November Court Martial will be more than just going through the motions.

Philip Priestly, British High Commissioner

“I think the people of Belize can be very confident this will be taking place under British military court martial, and it will follow the exact procedure as it would if were taking place in the U.K.”

Patrick Jones

“That inquiry is going to run for how long, do you know?”

Philip Priestly

“It is not clear exactly how long it will be, but it could be as long as a month.”

Patrick Jones

“Now whatever verdict is handed down, whatever punishment if any, will those be served in Belize or in the United Kingdom? Or will the soldiers get to go back to their homeland to serve their sentences?”

Philip Priestly

“My understanding is that if in the event of the accused being found guilty that they would serve their sentences in the U.K.”

The trial is set to commence on November tenth and will be held at the headquarters of BATSUB in Ladyville. The court martial will be closed to the public.