Cases relating to the December 2 protests outside the House of Assembly went ahead without incident yesterday, despite a small demonstration outside Magistrates’ Court.

Between 30 and 40 people, some with placards, gathered outside the building, showing their support for those who have received summonses. Close by was a large police contingent that monitored what was a relatively calm and quiet situation.

Among the protesters were Bermuda Industrial Union president Chris Furbert, the Reverend Nicholas Tweed from the People’s Campaign, Progressive Labour Party MP and lawyer Michael Scott, and Jason Hayward, president of the Bermuda Public Services Union.

Mr Furbert and Mr Hayward will appear in court tomorrow, also as a result of the events on December 2.

Inside court yesterday, Arnold Smith, 57, from Southampton, David Saltus, 57, from Sandys, and Alafia Henry, 41, from Devonshire, pleaded not guilty to charges of preventing entry to the House of Assembly. All three have elected to be tried in Supreme Court.

They will appear in court again on May 1.

Mr Saltus has also been charged with assaulting a police officer. He has been released on $2,000 bail, and Mr Smith and Mr Henry were released on $1,000 bail.

Mr Saltus is represented by Mr Scott and both Mr Smith and Mr Henry are represented by Delroy Duncan.

After the defendants left the court, the crowd quickly dispersed and police officers returned to the nearby Hamilton Police Station. Yesterday’s protest followed a lengthy BIU meeting on Tuesday night, with union officials declining to say what actions might be taken.

On Tuesday afternoon, police issued a statement, warning that Court Street must remain “clear and unobstructed at all times”.

Further court cases regarding the incidents in December are scheduled for tomorrow, Monday and Wednesday.

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