A dramatic courtroom twist has interrupted one of Belize’s most closely watched criminal trials. On the second day of proceedings, veteran diplomat and ambassador Alexis Rosado dismissed one of his attorneys, forcing an unexpected pause in a case that has already spent years working its way through the courts. The move came before Justice Natalie Creary Dixon in the Belmopan High Court, where Rosado requested time to secure new legal representation after parting ways with attorney Leeroy Banner. The trial, which began on Monday, centers on charges of rape, sexual assault and aggravated assault filed against Rosado in 2022. Prosecutors opened their case on the first day by calling the investigating officer and an Immigration Department IT manager, who testified regarding Rosado’s whereabouts during the period relevant to the allegations. On Tuesday, the Crown was prepared to call four additional witnesses. However, those proceedings were put on hold after Rosado informed the court that he was no longer represented by Banner and sought an adjournment to retain another attorney. Justice Dixon granted the request, postponing the matter until Wednesday morning at 9:00. The adjournment marks another delay in a case that has already seen multiple postponements. In fact, an earlier defense application to adjourn the trial was denied at the start of proceedings, with the court noting the matter had already been deferred several times and should proceed. Rosado, a longtime diplomat and former chief executive officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was charged in April 2022 and indicted in January 2024. He currently serves as Belize’s ambassador to Guatemala and holds several other diplomatic appointments. The trial is expected to resume Wednesday in the Belmopan High Court, where the prosecution’s remaining witnesses are scheduled to take the stand.
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