Sunday, October 25 2009

The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago has stated that it is appalled by the killing of prisoner Peter Garcia in the precinct of the Rio Claro Magistrates’ Court while he was in police custody. If not properly addressed, they fear that it will set a dangerous precedent.

In a press release, the President of the Law Association Martin Daly stated that: “The Law Association views this particularly brazen killing as a frontal attack on the criminal justice system, which if not addressed with alacrity, can lead to loss of public confidence in the administration of justice and the consequent erosion of the rule of law in Trinidad and Tobago.”

According to the Law Association, this is not a new threat and, in the past, there have been numerous attacks on litigants, members of the media, prosecutors, attorneys-at-law and magistrates. In the release, Daly reminded the Minister of National Security Martin Joseph and the other relevant authorities that security and logistical arrangements continue to plague the court system. He referred to the current situation at the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court, which he said, is potentially explosive and needs to be resolved in order to prevent another riot by prisoners.

Daly urged the authorities to swiftly implement a system for remanding of accused prisoners via video-link. “In light of current events, the Association strongly urges the relevant authorities to redouble their efforts in order to have this new system fully operational within the shortest possible time.”