ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Minister Gaston Browne says he feels “totally vindicated” after a US federal court docket dismissed subpoenas issued in opposition to him, his household, senior officers, and personal firms in Antigua and Barbuda.
The US District Court docket for the Southern District of New York dominated in favor of the Antiguan Authorities, quashing all subpoenas requested by Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, daughter of a sanctioned Russian nationwide linked to the posh yacht Alfa Nero.
In a written choice, Choose Jesse M. Furman discovered that Guryeva-Motlokhov “failed to satisfy the statutory necessities for aid” below US regulation. The Court docket additionally vacated its prior authorization and ordered the destruction of any supplies obtained.
We’ll at all times defend the integrity of our establishments and the nice title of those that serve them,” he mentioned.
In an in depth Memorandum Opinion and Order, Choose Jesse M. Furman held that the applicant “failed to satisfy the statutory necessities for aid” below 28 U.S.C. § 1782. Because of this, the Court docket – quashed the subpoenas of their entirety, Vacated its earlier ex parte order that had approved the subpoenas, and directed the applicant’s counsel to rearrange the immediate destruction of any materials already produced.
This ruling confirms what the Authorities has mentioned from the outset: the appliance had no benefit, no authorized basis, and no respectable function. It was a fishing expedition aimed toward harassing the Authorities of Antigua and Barbuda, its Prime.
Minister, and others via false and malicious allegations.
In commenting on the ruling, Legal professional-Common Sir Steadroy Benjamin mentioned, “The Court docket’s order speaks for itself: the applicant couldn’t fulfill even the essential authorized threshold. We belief this consequence will deter any future makes an attempt to weaponize overseas court docket processes in opposition to Antigua and Barbuda.”
In a press release, the Authorities of Antigua and Barbuda mentioned it stays firmly dedicated to transparency, the rule of regulation, and the very best requirements of public accountability.
“On the identical time, it’s going to vigorously oppose any effort—home or overseas—to tarnish the reputations of its officers or to coerce the nation into abandoning selections made in the most effective pursuits of the individuals of Antigua and Barbuda.”
