On Tuesday, opposition leader Allen Chastanet announced he had officially filed a case in the High Court against the Speaker of the House of Assembly and the Attorney General.
"I will not be silenced," Chastanet, who filed the case personally and as Micoud South MP, declared on Facebook.
"Today, I took a crucial step in upholding justice and protecting our constitutional rights," he stated.
Chastanet explained that his legal action is in response to the 'multiple breaches' of his constitutional rights.
He said they included unlawful detention and attempts to prevent him from attending future sessions of Parliament.
"I firmly believe in the importance of transparency, accountability, and the preservation of our democratic values. This fight is not just for me but for the democratic principles and values that we all hold dear. I will not rest until justice is served," the former Prime Minister asserted.
Chastanet's claim lists the Speaker of the House as the first and the Attorney General as the second defendant.
Chastanet is seeking an injunction against the Speaker from excluding him from attending any sitting of the house or entering its precincts.
He also seeks, among other things, damages for breach of his constitutional rights and wrongful arrest or detention.
The Saint Lucia House of Assembly recently voted to suspend Chastanet for failing to apologise for and retract a statement alleging government corruption.
Before the vote, as Chastanet was preparing to leave, House Speaker Claudius Francis Francis told him he should not before there was a ruling.
"Member, you shall not leave yet," the Speaker stated.
"Officer, he shall not leave. Officer, he shall not leave," Francis said to the police on duty as Chastanet exited the house, followed by two female officers.
The Micoud South MP returned to the chamber a short time later with the officers behind him and took his seat.
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