Attorney-at-Law Martin George says there is no doubt that Faris Al-Rawi is “clearly wrong” to act as both a witness and Attorney in the private court matter involving Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Rowley and former AG Anand Ramlogan.

Attorneys are directed not to appear as witnesses for their own clients, except for formal matters where their testimony is essential to the ends of justice.

“It is clearly a breach. Mr. Al-Rawi is clearly wrong. However, I will say that it is also not a mortal sin. It is in the nature of a venial sin. So in other words, it is something that can be easily cured and corrected.”

Mr. George also addressed Mr. Al-Rawi’s statement that two lawyers in his firm were handling the case.

“I’ve heard the explanation by Faris and Faris is someone I get along very well with and I will say that at the outset where he indicated that he is merely the instructing Attorney and he is not the Advocate. But that argument, with the greatest of respect, is slightly disingenuous because the Legal Profession Act of 1986 actually did away and removed that distinction and we are all now Attorneys at Law.”

Meanwhile, Attorney-at-Law Wayne Sturge said Mr. Al-Rawi’s political ambitions make the matter a serious one.

“Senator Al-Rawi is slated to contest a marginal seat, San Fernando West, and if he gets into Government he may very well hold a possession of some significance. I think he is actually in breach of the Legal Profession Act of the Code of Ethics. That is a serious matter. If there is professional misconduct on the part of an Attorney at Law, that is a question that voters may have to factor as to whether this is someone I want to form part of my Government.”