Police brutality?
At the outset we wish to make it very clear that we are in no way seeking to influence the outcome of the case currently before the court in which nineteen-year-old J.J.H. is accused of having shot and killed Kamar Lloyd Grayson in May. The eventual decision about innocence or guilt in that case, as indeed in all cases, lies entirely within the realm and authority of the court and we shall not venture there.
Nevertheless, we wish to applaud Judge Frank Wieland for his decision in the Court of First Instance in Philipsburg Tuesday to order that federal detectives of the Landsrecherche conduct an investigation into the defendant’s allegations that he was beaten and brutalised by the police after they arrested him.
It is fitting that, should a judge sitting in the hallowed sanctum of the Philipsburg Courthouse believe for whatever reason that such an investigation is warranted, he order one.
The court’s decision was courageous. We are confident that it was not taken lightly, that the court would not order such an investigation into police behaviour every time an accused person appears before it and cries “foul” or alleges police brutality.
In ordering the investigation, Judge Wieland noted that he vehemently opposed police brutality. So too does every enlightened, caring and law-abiding citizen. For police brutality must never be allowed to take root or even rear its ugly, deformed head in our society.
While it is good that the judge did not order the Police Chief Commissioner to conduct the investigation and submit a report, we are not particularly effusive that the investigation will be carried out by federal detectives of the Landsrecherche. In our view that is still tantamount to the police investigating the police.
Once again the need for an independent body or authority to handle complaints against the police is brought into sharp focus. Regardless of the findings of the probe ordered by Judge Wieland, we sincerely hope the powers that be will take this matter in hand and address it in an expeditious manner. It would give every St. Maartener – and everyone who loves St. Maarten – a level of comfort they deserve, even as they prepare for the birth of the new and autonomous country St. Maarten within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Give us your opinion on this story ![[new]](/images/new.gif)
Post a message on our message board! Click Here!
