The Patriotic Front has condemned the appointment of John Jeremie as Attorney General, referring to it as a “grave misstep”.

In a statement, the party says his appointment is not only “ill-advised”, but also a direct betrayal of the principles of justice, accountability and institutional independence.

It says Mr. Jeremie’s track record during his previous tenure as Attorney General under the PNM is marred by controversy, judicial condemnation, and institutional distrust.

It adds, “The Court of Appeal in 2007, and more recently the Privy Council in 2022, confirmed what many in the legal fraternity and wider public already knew – that Mr. Jeremie engaged in inappropriate interference with criminal proceedings to target the UNC founder, UNC allies, and even those merely perceived as such.”

It points to incidents involving a former Chief Magistrate, former Director of Public Prosecutions and a resounding vote of no confidence by the Law Association in 2009, which declared that he had brought the administration of justice into disrepute.

The Patriotic Front says it is also appalled at the Law Association’s current silence, and indeed, its apparent endorsement of Mr. Jeremie’s return to public office.

Regarding the decision to make Mr Jeremie AG, the party accused the new Prime Minister of hypocrisy, saying while they once condemned him for his abuses of office, they are now elevating and endorsing him.