By Breaking Belize News Staff: Prominent Dangriga doctor Desmond Arzu has been called to answer to a charge of sexual assault after a Senior Magistrate rejected a no-case submission made by his attorneys.
The ruling was handed down on Tuesday afternoon in Court #2, where the Senior Magistrate found that there was sufficient evidence for the case to continue. Arzu is accused of touching a woman’s breast and private parts without her consent during an examination in Punta Gorda Town on March 26, 2023.
The defense, led by attorneys Brian Neal and Arthur Saldivar, had argued that Arzu had no case to answer. However, the Senior Magistrate stated that after reviewing the evidence, she was satisfied that the alleged touching, described as deliberate acts of a sexual nature, and the complainant’s evidence regarding lack of consent, were matters that a tribunal could consider.
The court also noted that issues raised by the defense, including arguments about credibility, were matters to be considered at the end of the trial and not grounds to uphold the no-case submission at this stage.
Arzu’s trial has been before the courts for more than two years. It began in the south and was later transferred to Belize City for continuation.
His bail of $3,000 was allowed to continue. Attorney Saldivar appeared virtually for Tuesday’s ruling, while Neal was absent.
The defense is expected to call six witnesses, most of them reportedly doctors, before Arzu decides whether to give sworn evidence, make a dock statement, or remain silent in his defense.
The matter is scheduled to continue on Monday, June 15, 2026. The Crown is being represented by Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal.
The post Doctor Desmond Arzu’s no-case submission dismissed by Court; Will stand trial for allegedly touching woman during medical examination appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Prominent Dangriga doctor Desmond Arzu has been called to answer to a charge of sexual assault after a Senior Magistrate rejected a no-case submission made by his attorneys. The ruling was handed down on Tuesday afternoon in Court #2, where the Senior Magistrate found that there was sufficient evidence for
The post Doctor Desmond Arzu’s no-case submission dismissed by Court; Will stand trial for allegedly touching woman during medical examination appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
