"Unprecedented" steps taken in Groves trial

Monday 16 March 2020

Two hearings have been scheduled this week in the trial of the man accused of murdering Sarah Groves, with the Kashmiri Judge under pressure to complete court proceedings.

The 182nd scheduled hearing on Saturday went the same way as many other weekend hearings before it, with a no-show from the witnesses who were supposed to attend.

It comes after three hearings which saw "good progress made" in a trial that has been beset with delays and disruptions in Kashmir, India, where there is significant political unrest.  

Miss Groves' parents, Vic and Kate Groves, said there were still numerous obstacles to a satisfactory outcome to the lengthy and much-delayed trial.

"As has so often been the situation with hearings scheduled on a Saturday, no further progress was possible today due to a complete lack of witnesses in attendance as per summons," they said. 

Pictured: Dutchman Richard de Wit is accused of murdering Sarah Groves and has been on trial for six years.

"The Judge, obviously aware that pressure was being applied to complete proceedings, took the almost unprecedented step of scheduling two further hearings next week – on Wednesday and Thursday.

"A recently undertaken review of the case and its long history reveals many serious shortcomings that fly in the face of justice as the rest of the world understands it. Worryingly, many stand fairly and squarely in the way of a safe outcome – either way.

"For example, unless key remaining witnesses are forced into court and unless key historic witnesses are recalled for further testimony, we will be no nearer knowing the truth of what happened almost seven years ago than we were at the time."

"That would be an unacceptable outcome to an unacceptable process, a total insult to Sarah that must be avoided at all costs."

Pictured: Sarah's parents, Kate and Vic Groves.