National Security Minister, Peter Bunting, is urging human rights group, Amnesty International, to exercise restraint and sound judgement.
He’s responding to Amnesty’s call for him to disclose details of the Clarendon Police death squad probe.
Yesterday, Amnesty criticized the Security Minister and demanded disclosure of allegations regarding the probe by the Independent Commission of Investigation, INDECOM, into the so-called police death squad.
The international human rights lobby also demanded details of allegations of human rights excesses by the Police during the security forces 2010 operation in West Kingston.
Minister Bunting reacted today via a statement from his National Security Ministry.
The Security Minister says he notes Amnesty stated that he “refused to disclose information on an investigation into allegations of human rights violations by the Jamaican Constabulary Force, JCF.\”
Bunting says he’s also taken note that Amnesty has called for the Government to “disclose any information related to allegations of human rights violations.\”
The Security Minister says the Government of Jamaica is committed to transparency and accountability and to have all allegations of abuses by the security forces properly investigated.
Minister Bunting noted that the Government has appointed a Commission of Enquiry into the May 2010 West Kingston operation, and fully supports the investigations of INDECOM into allegations of police excesses in Clarendon.
Bunting observed that several police personnel are before the Court in relation to INDECOM’s Clarendon probe.
The Security Minister says any group concerned about the preservation of human rights must recognize that it would have been highly improper, prejudicial, and an abuse of process for a Minister of National Security to disclose information on matters which are currently the subject of investigation by an independent body and presently before the courts.
He assured that as with any other investigation and enquiry, reports will be released publicly once the work of investigators is complete.
Minister Bunting says his Ministry and the Government’s pursuit of transparency and accountability within the JCF is unwavering.
He noted that in 2012, the Government introduced a revised Use of Force policy, and has insisted on its island wide implementation.
Bunting noted that year to date, police fatal shootings have decreased by 45 per cent compared to 2013.
He also highlighted support given to the Anti-Corruption Branch, an internal JCF unit dedicated to investigating allegations of police corruption and misconduct.
Minister Bunting says the Government remains steadfast in its efforts to improve the human rights record of the JCF, and realize that change will take time and sustained action.
The Security Minister says he’s also inviting all human rights organizations to continue to track the Government’s progress in this regard.
Dennis Brooks, for Nationwide News.
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