Muslim defendant refuses to stand for Sydney lady Magistrate - deal made so he doesn't have to
Monday, 20 May 2013
I could not let this pass without noting another step on our descension to an accommodation with barbarians.
I would have locked him up until he showed the respect for our justice system we all have to show.
Accused rioter Mohammed Issai Issaka berated in court after refusing to stand for Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge
A MAN accused of rioting during last year's violent Muslim protests has been berated for his "disrespect" after refusing to stand before a magistrate at his court hearing.
Mohammed Issai Issaka, who was charged with riot, assaulting police and resisting arrest over the September incident, this morning said his religious beliefs stopped him from rising for the court - the standard practice whenever a judge or magistrate enters or leaves.
Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge repeatedly demanded Issaka stand for her, telling the accused man she didn't accept his refusal.
"You can tell me where it is in his religion that it says he cannot stand," she said to Issaka's lawyer.
"I was a magistrate at Bankstown Court for four years and I have never had to deal with such disrespect."
The hearing had to be postponed for nearly half an hour after the prosecution and defence consulted Ms Milledge, with the case eventually continuing after Issaka waited outside the courtroom as everyone stood for the magistrate.