Belize Opposition legislator Patrick Faber is insisting that his recent arrest on charges of assaulting a police officer and obstructing the officer from performing his duties is politically motivated.
Faber, who was detained after a police incident on Tuesday, denied the allegations, calling them an attempt to embarrass him. “Clearly it is to try to bring embarrassment and shame,” Faber said, adding, “I am saying for the record that I am not guilty of those charges and we will wait for the court for us to have our day and for that to be determined.”
The events leading to Faber’s arrest unfolded when he allegedly sped through a checkpoint at the foot of BelChina Bridge, prompting a police chase. After pulling over Faber’s vehicle, officers discovered it was unlicensed. When asked for his driver’s license, Faber claimed it was at home and was subsequently followed to his Belize City residence, where he produced the license.
However, during the exchange, the police reported that Faber began recording the officer on his phone, placing it uncomfortably close to the officer’s face. The officer said he felt threatened and repeatedly warned Faber that he was obstructing police duties, but the legislator persisted.
Faber was detained and transported to the Queen Street Police Station for questioning before being arraigned at the Belize City Magistrates Court, where he pleaded not guilty to both charges. “I just think it is politically motivated, much of it,” Faber reiterated after his court appearance. He also denied accusations that he had been driving under the influence of alcohol, stating that he had not consumed alcohol recently, aside from a single drink on his birthday.
In his defense, Patrick Faber stated that he complied with all police requests during the stop, including allowing officers to follow him to retrieve his driver’s license. He argued that his attempt to record the incident was to ensure an accurate account of the interaction, particularly in light of what he described as a “politically slanted” portrayal of events.
Faber further emphasized that he had not faced charges of aggravated assault against a police officer in nearly 20 years, calling the current situation a first in terms of being “targeted because of politics.” He also questioned the motivation behind the charges, suggesting that the police may have selectively edited video footage to support their case.
As the case moves through the court system, Faber remains confident that the truth will prevail. “We will wait for the court to make its determination,” he said.
