The Police High Command has responded to Basseterre man’s claim of a homophobic bashing at the hands of a police officer over the weekend.
The individual was allegedly physically assaulted by an on-duty police officer early Sunday morning while he was leaving a fete at Frigate Bay. The man was taken into custody after he responded to the officer calling him a punk and other homophobic slurs. The man alleged that he was repeatedly punched in the stomach and chest during the ride to the police station, with the offending officer pulling over at one point to continue the beating.
After being taken to the Basseterre police station almost an hour after he was arrested in the Frigate Bay area, the victim was released without charge.
He filed an official complaint on Monday and has sought legal advice on the matter.
Following much public condemnation of the officer’s behavior and the alleged assault, the police High command issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon stating “The Office of Professional Standards of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is currently investigating an incident in which a complaint was filed against Police. The incident took place on April 28 at the Frigate Bay Strip and involved three Law Enforcement Officers and one individual.
The High Command of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force notes, with great concern, the information being circulated in the public domain surrounding this incident. All circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.”
Freedom FM spoke with the individual alleging the act of police brutality who expressed fearing for his life during the incident and the physical, emotional and mental trauma he suffers as a result.