Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter
These men from Tivoli Gardens are forced to lie in a marl pit during the recent operation by the security forces. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE OFFICE of the Public Defender is currently carrying out investigations into the circumstances under which four persons were shot during a joint police-military operation in Tivoli Gardens, west Kingston, last month.
Public Defender Howard Hamilton told The Gleaner yesterday that his office was investigating the matter following the filing of complaints.
"We are compiling our files, written for the medical reports and getting information from them (the complainants)," he said.
OVER 70 DETAINED
The four, including three women, were shot during the operation in which more than 70 persons were detained. The police said the operation was conducted to apprehend suspects in the murders of three policemen in early May.
The men, however, were not captured.
The Public Defender also said his office would be pursuing cases of human rights abuses in the operation where several residents of Tivoli Gardens were forced by soldiers to lie in a marl pit before being carried away.
"We have statements from two (residents)," Mr. Hamilton said. He said, however, that the office was having difficulties locating the other men and was appealing to members of the public who know them to contact his office.
This is the second time that the Public Defender has been called on to seek redress for persons who have suffered human rights abuses in west Kingston.
The first incident occurred in 2001 where more than 20 victims complained to the office in pursuit of compensation.
Four persons were awarded $200,000 in compensation by the Government, the other cases are pending.
