PRESS RELEASE

Thursday, 27 May 2010, Kingston, Jamaica

Actions of Security Forces in Tivoli Gardens and Across the Corporate Area:

Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ) is deeply concerned at the rising numbers of casualties and persons detained resulting from the operations of the security forces in Tivoli Gardens and the wider corporate area. Some of the reports of the circumstances of the deaths are horrifying and, if true, constitute a fundamental breach of the law by those sworn to uphold it. 

We call urgently for the following:

• The security forces MUST exercise the greatest possible respect for the lives and rights of ALL persons, consistent with the discharge of their duties.
• ALL Residents who are caught in Security Force operations and are in situations of lock down must be afforded access to food, water, medical attention and other supplies to ensure their well-being and should be afforded freedom of movement  consistent with the provisions of the State of Emergency and the prevailing security conditions
• Access to the affected areas MUST be provided to the media and representatives of aid organizations.
• Treatment of casualties MUST recognize the right to medical attention and the human dignity of the deceased.

Treatment of Detainees:

Given reports of large numbers of persons detained, including juveniles, JFJ urges:

• Facilities for holding detainees MUST meet humane standards
• Terms of detention MUST conform with requirements of national and international standards including the State of Emergency regulations
• Detainees MUST be afforded right to legal representation
• Juvenile detainees MUST be detained in accordance with local and international standards including being kept in separate holding facilities
• Access to the holding area by credible Independent Observers, such as the Red Cross or Public Defender, MUST immediately be granted

The necessity for the restoration of law and order, which was supported by JFJ and all well thinking Jamaicans, cannot be taken by the Security Forces as an excuse for them, in turn, to break the law.  Nor can it be seen as an excuse for the wanton extralegal killing of Jamaican citizens.  We worry that both of these outcomes are occurring and urge an IMMEDIATE return to the RULE OF Law by all.  Excesses by the Security Forces will SERIOUSLY UNDERMINE any opportunity to bring about the change well thinking Jamaicans yearn for.

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Contact

Carolyn Gomes            @ 382-8583

David Wong Ken         @ 832-4873

Susan Goffe                @815-3648