👨‍⚖️ Court orders release of documents in Doctors Express case

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has been ordered to release documents supporting its decision not to prosecute any public officials involved in an unlawful raid at Doctors Express nearly five years ago. This is the latest development in a legal battle that has been ongoing since customs officers conducted a raid of the clinic, seizing legal medical cannabis oil prescribed to patients. The private clinic has been seeking justice since winning a judicial review in February 2021, pursuing financial damages and the prosecution of those involved. 📜

Following the judicial review, Doctors Express contacted the ODPP about prosecuting individuals found to have acted maliciously. The DPP stated it would not be prosecuting anyone due to lack of sufficient evidence. The clinic's legal team then applied for a judicial review of that decision, which is currently in process. As part of this case, Doctors Express lawyers have requested the documents and details related to the advice not to prosecute the key officials. The ODPP has previously refused to release the document outlining this advice. However, Justice Jalil Asif ruled that the ODPP must hand over the relevant document as it is crucial to the judicial review that the clinic has filed. 👩‍⚖️

The judge stated that the advice and instructions are relevant as they provide the background and context for the decision made by the prosecutors. The clinic has argued that the ODPP could not have considered all relevant documents and information when deciding not to charge anyone. The judge agreed, stating that the advice and instructions are the only materials available that could shed light on the decision-making process. 🏛️