Political refugee Dillian Johnson, living in Wales, recently found relief after a private prosecution by Trinidad and Tobago’s state-owned water and sewerage authority was dismissed by a Welsh court. Johnson, a gay man residing in Newport under humanitarian protection, had fled Trinidad and Tobago following a 2017 shooting incident outside his home, which he believed was linked to his alleged relationship with the country’s senior judge.
Having been an outspoken critic of corruption in his homeland’s government, Johnson faced legal challenges when his former employer launched a private prosecution against him in the UK. The Crown Prosecution Service eventually took over the case and decided to drop it. This marked the end of a costly and stressful ordeal for Johnson, who had to endure public scrutiny and the loss of his job during the legal proceedings.
WASA, Trinidad and Tobago’s water authority, spent a significant amount on the case and went to great lengths to track down Johnson’s whereabouts, employing a private investigator. Despite the outcome being in his favour, Johnson advocates for stricter regulations when using covert surveillance against individuals granted political refuge.
Charged with posting offensive videos online, Johnson refused an offer to drop the charges in exchange for ceasing his social media activism. With the support of his legal team, Johnson fought the case in court, highlighting his status as a political refugee and the potential impact of a conviction on his residency in the UK.
After a series of court hearings, the CPS intervened and discontinued the proceedings against Johnson. The decision came as a relief to him, affirming his belief in justice and his commitment to speaking out against wrongdoing. Johnson plans to explore options to recover his legal costs from WASA and expressed gratitude towards his legal team for their diligent work during the case.
Despite the challenges he faced, Johnson’s perseverance and refusal to compromise his principles proved crucial in the successful outcome of the legal battle. The case not only highlighted issues of surveillance and prosecution against political refugees but also underscored the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs in the face of adversity.
As Johnson continues to rebuild his life in Wales, this chapter serves as a testament to his resilience and unwavering pursuit of justice. His story resonates as a reminder of the importance of upholding human rights and safeguarding the rights of individuals seeking refuge and protection in foreign lands.