Dear Editor,
The United People’s (UP) party has taken note of the appeal by Attorney-at-Law Geert Hatzmann where an official complaint has been filed with the Joint Court of Justice against the non-arrest of a man who allegedly severely mistreated his mother in February.
Not knowing the details of the case, we understand the frustration of the lawyer where the alleged perpetrator continues to walk free while the victim may live in fear because of this.
Victims’ rights are part and parcel of an individual’s protections and are to be treated with dignity, respect and sensitivity. A victim is usually defined as a person who has been directly harmed by a crime that was committed by another person.
Victims generally have the right to be treated with courtesy, fairness, and care by law enforcement and other officials throughout the entire criminal justice process. Victims have the right to protection from threats, intimidation, or retaliation, and we call upon the relevant authorities to adhere to the aforementioned in all cases of crimes related to a victim.
Silvia Meyers-Olivacee
President, United People’s (UP) party
