Pilot Cleared of Trafficking Charges Considers Legal Action Over Reputation Damage

Pilot Cleared of Trafficking Charges Considers Legal Action Over Reputation Damage

Pilot Cleared of Trafficking Charges Considers Legal Action Over Reputation Damage

Following his exoneration from Trafficking in Persons (TIP) charges by the Bartica Magistrate Court, businessman and pilot Orlando Charles is contemplating legal recourse due to the detrimental impact the case has had on his reputation. Initially facing 16 counts of TIP charges on May 31, 2023, Charles was declared innocent on March 14, 2024, as the court deemed the evidence insufficient.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Charles expressed his confidence in the justice system and extended gratitude to the court for its impartial ruling. He commended his lawyer, Sanjeev Datadin, for effectively representing him. Despite the favorable outcome, Charles lamented the irreparable damage inflicted on his reputation and business endeavors, both domestically and internationally, by the accusations.

The statement underscored the public humiliation endured by Charles and his family, particularly his children, who are pursuing education abroad and locally. Consequently, he is exploring all available legal avenues to address the aftermath of the case.

Consistently maintaining his innocence, Charles attributed the allegations to coercion by an external entity. He clarified that the dispute arose from wage discrepancies and vehemently denied involvement in any trafficking activities or restrictions on individuals’ freedom of movement. Charles alleged that dissatisfied parties were encouraged to frame the wage dispute as ‘Trafficking’ by representatives of an organization offering assistance in resolving their payment grievances.

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