JFJ seeks answers for Keith Clarke

Human-rights lobby Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ) says it is deeply perturbed by the delay in concluding the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Keith Clarke.

Clarke, a Corporate Area businessman, was killed on May 26 at his east Kirkland Heights, St Andrew home after soldiers reportedly stormed the premises.

The lawmen were attempting to capture fugitive Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

The incident took place only days after the military incursion in west Kingston. Coke had fled the community and police say he had taken refuge in east Kirkland Heights.

In a release to the media yesterday, the human-rights organisation contended that evidence that would bring truth, transparency and closure to the investigation has still not been made available to the investigating officers.

"In particular, JFJ is concerned about the failure of investigators to recover all spent shells at the scene, and to get the full cooperation of the military with all aspects of the investigation,' said the Dr Carolyn Gomes-led organisation.

Many delays

JFJ warned that the delays may have compromised the integrity of the investigation.

Meanwhile, Public Defender Earl Witter, whose office is engaged in the investigation would not comment on JFJ's claims.

He, however, said that his office had been assured by the military that they would cooperate fully with the investigations.

He also said that the Bureau of Special Investigation had worked closely with his office and was cooperative.

Witter, however, did reveal that his office would be approaching the United Nations Development Programme for them to provide firearms and ballistics experts to conduct independent investigations in the matter.

It contended that investigations surrounding military operations had a history of delays, lack of transparency and the invocation of public interest immunity.

"However, where a citizen is deprived of his right to life by members of its security forces, the State has an obligation to investigate the death thoroughly and transparently, regardless of which arm of the force is involved," JFJ said.

Transparency

Declaring that thoroughness and transparency is in the public's interest, JFJ called on Terrence Williams, the newly appointed commissioner of the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), to ensure that the investigation is efficiently and effectively brought to a conclusion.

"We are also deeply distressed that the Bureau of Special Investigations continues to report prolonged delays in the conclusion of forensic and ballistic tests," JFJ said.

The human-rights group said it has documented numerous instances where investigations have stalled due, in part, to reported prolonged delays in ballistic testing.

"JFJ reiterates the need for comprehensive reform of the ballistic and other auxiliary departments, and calls for their independence from the police and added oversight by INDECOM," it said.