Shyne Barrow Still Wants Tracy Panton Committed to Prison

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, along with four other senior United Democratic Party (UDP) members, has filed an urgent appeal against a recent court ruling that dismissed their application to commit Tracy Taegar Panton to prison for contempt of court.

The appeal challenges the decision handed down by Justice Tawanda Hondora on February 14, 2025.

The ruling dismissed Barrow’s application, which sought multiple court orders regarding the UDP leadership dispute. The judge also ruled that the applicants must cover the legal costs of the case. However, Barrow and his co-appellants—including Michael Peyrefitte, Shary Medina, Alberto August, and Hugo Patt—argue that the judge erred in his interpretation of the “status quo ante” ruling, which they believe should have affirmed Barrow’s leadership within the UDP.

In the appeal, the group contends that the judge failed to properly consider the political context of the case and the implications of his decision on the party’s leadership ahead of the March 2025 elections. They also argue that the judge did not invite legal submissions on the test for contempt of court, leaving critical issues unresolved.

The appellants are seeking to overturn the February 14 decision and obtain an interim non-disclosure order. They maintain that the court must recognise the urgency of resolving leadership disputes within the UDP as the party prepares for the upcoming elections.