Nicholson

Attorney-General Senator A.J. Nicholson has accused human rights lobby group Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ) of attempting to bypass the local legal system and possibly prejudicing the case of an American-born woman who was the victim of crime three years ago.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Attorney-General scolded the JFJ for having called a press conference last Friday, at which the group presented information alleging that Kimberly Adamou was assaulted, robbed and her property destroyed by her then business partner.

JFJ Executive Director Dr. Carolyn Gomes said at the press conference that the victim had been threatened by individuals, including police officers.

The human rights lobby group had also involved the Inter-American Council on Human Rights (IACHR) in the case.

Ill-advised pronouncements

"Jamaicans For Justice may say what it wishes, but premature, ill-advised pronouncements may be unduly prejudicial and may make it difficult for the trial at hand to be conducted in a fair manner," Senator Nicholson said.

He added that Ms. Adamou had yet to file her complaint with the St. Catherine Resident Magistrate's Court, under whose jurisdiction the case falls, and that it would not be a matter for the IACHR until local remedies were exhausted.

The Attorney-General, who argued that it would not be appropriate for him to intervene in a manner that might be prejudicial to the case, said Ms. Adamou was already receiving protection from the courts as requested by the IACHR.

"As is often said, justice must not only be done, it must also be seen to be done. One hopes that Jamaicans For Justice will apply this approach as well, but optimism on this point could well be misplaced," Mr. Nicholson said.