Abu Bakr the leader of the 1990 attempted coup, dies at 80

Imam Yasin Abu Bakr died just days after celebrating his 80th birthday. On July 27, 1990, Bakr, formerly Lennox Phillip, led the Jamaat-al-Muslimeen in an attempt to overthrow the NAR government.

Bakr, a diabetic, collapsed at his residence on Long Circular Road in St James on Thursday night and was rushed to the St James Health Facility, where he was pronounced dead, according to police.

Kristy Ramnarine-Abu Bakr, his daughter-in-law, reported his death on Facebook. "Imam Yasin Abu Bakr, my father-in-law, has died. We originated from Allah and will return to Allah "she penned

Bakr and 114 Jamaat members attacked the Red House during a Parliament session in 1990, invaded the state-owned TTT, and bombed the Port of Spain police headquarters. In the aftermath, many shops were plundered and buildings were demolished.

The late ANR Robinson, the prime minister, was shot and wounded during the assault. However, a member of Parliament was assassinated. The Red House and the police headquarters also suffered casualties.

After six days, Bakr and the militants surrendered and were granted amnesty.

He was charged with sedition in the years after for making threatening remarks during an Eid sermon in 2005. The case concluded in a hung jury in 2012. Since 2015, he has been facing a retrial.

Bakr was recently accused of using threatening language during prayers at the Jamaat's Mucurapo mosque, vowing 'war' over the government's treatment of the Jamaat's school.

However, Bakr's allegations are not being examined, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police Mc Donald Jacob.

According to Jacob, Special Branch officers evaluated Bakr's remarks and determined that no further action was warranted.

Bakr was also charged with failing to testify before a committee of investigation probing the failed coup attempt in 2012 and 2013. Bakr apologized for the insurgency in his challenge of the offense in 2020.