JFJ defends handling of slain robber's complaints

Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) said it is standing by its handling of the case of Kingston resident Andre 'Saddle Head' Smith who alleged that he was a victim of constant police harassment.

The human rights lobby group's actions were called into question by observers after Smith and another man were fatally shot during the failed robbery of a businesswoman on Sunday in east Kingston.

In the statement yesterday, JFJ said that when responding to a complaint, it assesses the facts to determine whether a credible human rights violation has occurred, and then takes action to address the violation by seeking to enforce the law.

DIFFERENT VIOLATIONS

"JFJ received reports of different violations from Mr Smith, which were corroborated by the courts. This is what JFJ does for any credible report of a human rights violation it receives from the public. In a democratic society, no one is above the law, not even the police," the statement said.

The unidentified businesswoman and her family were attacked by gunmen after she was trailed to her home and held hostage by robbers who were demanding money.

A handbag which contained a licensed firearm, money, and a mobile phone were taken from her. However, they were later recovered.

The woman's son, a licensed firearm holder who was at home at the time of the incident, challenged the gunmen, killing two. One was later identified as Smith.

A third accomplice allegedly fled the scene.

The police also recovered an illegal sub-machine gun from the scene.