By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
DIRECTOR of Immigration William Pratt said yesterday that authorities are investigating an alleged instance of abuse committed by an immigration officer.
He was contacted after a video spread on social media over the weekend showing a man being slapped off a dock and into the sea by an immigration officer, while onlookers watched. The video drew the ire of human rights activists who called for the officer to be disciplined.
However, the events leading up to the incident are not known.
Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell declined to comment when asked about the matter yesterday.
However, Mr Pratt told The Tribune: “Someone mailed that to me but I have a problem opening it (via email). I have launched an investigation. Abuse is something we do not tolerate. Let me meet with the team and do our own investigations.”
In instances where abuse wrongfully takes place, Mr Pratt said officials would usually reassign the officer in question.
“If it is bad, in some cases we may have to put the officer on administrative leave if it is a second or third complaint,” he said.
Meanwhile, the government’s immigration policies continue to face scrutiny and attention from local activists and international human rights groups.
Since the government rolled out a new immigration policy in November 2014, officials have frequently had to defend their practices against accusations of abuse and illegality.
Last week, Amnesty International added its voice to the barrage of criticism. The international human rights group raised concerns about the detention of Jean Mary Justilien, a Haitian national arrested in June during a raid in Eleuthera. He was shot during the raid after a reported altercation with police and immigration officers.
Mr Justilien was cleared of a charge of illegal entry. However he has not been released.
The Grand Bahama Human Rights Association (GBHRA) has also expressed concern that his rights have been violated since he was detained.
Comments
birdiestrachan 8 years, 4 months ago
Amnesty international and Fred Smith are one and the same. I do not understand why a immigration officer would slap a man off the dock and into the sea. It makes no sense a all.
Emac 8 years, 4 months ago
Something that does not make sense, does not mean it is not true.
sheeprunner12 8 years, 4 months ago
I hope that was not true ........... that would have been a real bitch slap for real ...... the Loretta variety.
But our law enforcement officers must be taught Chinese and Vietcong interrogation techniques and stop using these age-old Gestapo beatings ............ just let the water drip in their eyes all day man!!!!!!
Nooooooooo 8 years, 4 months ago
Its not alleged tge video is clear as day. The officer slap the shit out of that guy. Slap him so hard he was in the water holding his face.
ms_frustrated1 8 years, 4 months ago
Like they say..they don't know what happened prior to the slap. I know of Defence Force Officers and Immigration Officers when they go into these shanty towns the people there throw urine and shit at the officers! They do whatever it takes not to get catch!
However, if the officer crossed the line then it's fair for him to be punished.
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