Without naming anyone, Jamaat-al-Muslimeen leader Yasin Abu Bakr yesterday spoke of a conspiracy by a "certain political group" to have him arrested and asserted that the recent bombings were racially motivated.
By Darryl HeeralalHe also said he was sure that the bomber had a "political agenda" and that his organisation would start investigating the bombings with their own "intelligence" in an effort to find the bomber.
He said he was willing to work with the police.
Bakr said based on his "conspiracy" theory, he had a description of the bomber but that he would not reveal it as he wanted to catch the person.
Bakr was speaking at a press conference at his No1 Mucurapo Road base flanked by his top lieutenants.
The Jamaat leader, three of his followers, a girl who attends the Jamaat's school and another man were held on Friday in connection with the bombing outside the popular Smokey and Bunty bar in St James.
The six were released on Sunday without being charged.
Bakr said yesterday he was contemplating legal action against the police because there was no information or evidence to connect them to the St James bombing.
"The police acted on public perception. The Jamaat-al-Muslimeen was used as a scapegoat to satisfy pressure from the people, including the Government. They were under pressure to act and hold somebody," Bakr said.
He also condemned statements by Prime Minister Patrick Manning on Friday that the police were closer to solving the bombings with his arrest.
The police came in for praise from Bakr who said that the officers with whom he dealt while in custody acted "professionally".
Usual procedures for crime suspects were not imposed on Bakr while he was in custody.
The police allowed Bakr to keep his cell phone and to make calls with it on Saturday. He was not kept in a cell and was not handcuffed.
He said he was kept in a room in the presence of other officers.
Bakr said he could "not remember" being searched at anytime by the police.
Bakr and his three followers were allowed to shower and to pray and prepare for their Ramadan fast.
Late on Saturday afternoon Bakr said he was questioned for about an hour by six officers and was asked general questions about the bombing.
Bakr said he was not asked questions about any "specific information or evidence" linking him or his organisation to the bombing.
Sources say the police who questioned Bakr were not from the Bomb Unit set up to investigate the recent explosions in Port of Spain, but from the Western Division.
The Express was also told that the 15-year-old girl, a minor, was questioned without a parent or guardian present.
Bakr also alleged that an ACP (name called) "was telling people that he want the Imam".
Bakr said he plans to write Police Commissioner Trevor Paul on the issue, adding that he knew people who would testify on his behalf that the senior officer "was after him".
