PORT OF SPAIN – Canadian travel journalist and YouTuber Christopher Arthur Hughes, better known to millions as “Chris Must List,” has released an explosive update regarding his ongoing legal battle in Trinidad and Tobago. Facing up to two years in prison on a colonial-era “sedition” charge, Hughes is now speaking out against what he describes as a coordinated attempt by the government and state-aligned media to endanger his life.
The Charge: Sedition or Journalism?
Hughes was arrested in 2024 after his “Raw” documentary series showcased the stark reality of gang-afflicted neighbourhoods like Duncan Street and Laventille. While locals and millions of viewers worldwide praised his work for giving a voice to the marginalised, the Trinidadian government reacted with hostility.
Hughes was charged with sedition, a colonial-era law originally designed to suppress criticism of the government. “It’s a charge created back when they didn’t want people sharing negativity about the country,” Hughes explained. Despite the threat of prison, Hughes has refused a plea deal. “I am not guilty. I am a journalist. I document reality—sometimes it’s pretty, sometimes it’s not.”
“Wrongful News”: The Media’s Attempt on a YouTuber’s Life
One of the most chilling revelations in Hughes’ update involves the Trinidad Express, a major publication often criticised for its proximity to government interests. During his initial six-day detention, the Express published a front-page story claiming Hughes was working with the police to “identify gang members” and was being taken on tours of the city to point out criminals.
Hughes vehemently denies this, calling the report “100% unfactual” and a “clear intentional death threat.”
“I never left that cell,” Hughes stated, noting that by labelling him a “police informant” while he was being held in a facility known for gang activity, the publication and the government were actively putting a target on his back. While the Express eventually published a small retraction on a back page admitting the information was fake, Hughes says the damage was done with the intent to get him killed behind bars.
“They wanted to get their hands dirty without actually doing it themselves,” he added, confirming he intends to sue the publication for significant damages.
A System in Disarray
The legal proceedings have been marked by what Hughes describes as “the long game” of attrition. His case has seen:
- Vanishing Judges: His original judge was promoted, forcing a new judge to start from scratch.
- Prosecutorial Delays: The Lead Prosecutor (DPP) also received a promotion, and responses to legal filings are frequently delivered minutes before court begins.
- Absence of Evidence: The arresting officer has failed to show up for the majority of the court appearances.
In a bizarre twist of bureaucracy, Hughes was “deported” and banned from the country despite the government still holding his passport and requiring him to attend court. The new judge in the case recently expressed confusion over how a defendant could be banned from the very country they are required to appear in for trial.
The Fight for Media Freedom
Despite the “mental anguish” of his detention—which included witnessing the lack of healthcare in prisons and “man-handling” of inmates—Hughes remains committed to his innocence. The current judge has requested that Hughes’ legal team, led by attorney CJ Williams, research international precedents regarding the special rights and protections afforded to journalists.
“I will not run from this problem,” Hughes said. “I’m dealing with this head-on. I love Trinidad and Tobago, but I dislike the people who put me in jail, knowing I committed no crime.”
The next court appearance is scheduled for mid-March. For now, Hughes remains in Canada, fighting a virtual battle for his freedom and the right to document the truth.
For more updates on this story and other news across the islands, stay tuned to TnTRiver.com.
Watch the full video update here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBwyMRvNGls
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