Jurisdictional Hearing in Antigua and Barbuda Raises Key Legal Questions

Fri Jan 16 2026 22:45:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The High Court of Justice in Antigua and Barbuda held a critical jurisdictional hearing, scrutinizing its authority over transnational proceedings that involve parties from England and California. No verdict was reached, but procedural issues, including alleged contempt, were raised.

In a significant hearing on January 16, 2026, Mr. Justice Rene Williams of the High Court of Justice in Antigua and Barbuda questioned the court's jurisdiction over matters involving entities from England, California, and Antigua and Barbuda. Despite procedural observations and references to contempt, no verdict or remedies were issued. The hearing highlighted ongoing procedural issues, with further rulings anticipated in February 2026.

This is Alki David.
Reporting, not commentary.

January 16, 2026 — No verdict. A jurisdictional moment. Antigua & Barbuda.

In open court, Mr Justice Rene Williams raised jurisdiction himself—direct, on the record—asking whether the Court holds power over proceedings spanning England, California, and Antigua and Barbuda.

Alki David – reporting on today’s events – Jurisdiction is power.

With counsel present, the Attorney General appearing as amicus, and the full Court watching, His Lordship addressed the scope of authority. He noted on the record that banks and media companies named in the proceedings were in default. The observation was procedural. No remedies were ordered. No determinations were made.

His Lordship also personally identified Howard Kennedy’s January 7 letter and stated, in open court, that it constituted contempt of court.

Ajay Fournillier: Courtroom Incident, Correspondence, and Regulatory Context

Ajay Fournillier, an associate at Howard Kennedy LLP, was identified in proceedings before the High Court in connection with events surrounding the 16 January 2026 jurisdictional hearing.

During the relevant period, an incident occurred in court amidst heightened procedural dispute, but no findings were made regarding intent or conduct from that incident.

Ajay Fournillier also authored a formal letter on 7 January 2026, asserting that the court lacks jurisdiction over Howard Kennedy LLP and its lawyers. The letter submitted “to assist the court” while deeply disclaiming jurisdictional acceptance supports the ongoing debate over the court's authority.

Mark Stephens – Enforcement Concerns

Mark Stephens highlighted heightened scrutiny regarding Mr. David’s links to Julian Assange and ongoing disputes related to Hologram USA technology. Current scrutiny regarding Howard Kennedy LLP and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) was noted, but no adverse findings have been made.

The court emphasized judicial comity, stating no ruling would interfere with other courts during the proceeding. A written ruling is due in the first week of February, leaving open several key questions about jurisdiction, defaults, and contempt.

Record stands: