Dear Editor,
I have little confidence that anything meaningful will come from the investigation into the rape allegation against SOCU head and Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh. We have seen this movie before, a senior public official is accused of rape or sexual harassment, remains on the job while colleagues investigate, political officials become involved, and attention gradually shifts from the allegation to the woman’s credibility. Evidence is questioned, private settlements are discussed, and the matter eventually disappears.
Meanwhile, the woman is left to carry the consequences. Her mental health, employment, family and relationships may be disrupted, making recovery even more difficult. The Ministry of Human Services may quietly offer support while other officials focus on controlling the political damage and keeping the matter contained.
The accused is entitled to due process, but due process does not require that a senior police officer remain in operational command while the Force investigates one of its own. Administrative leave is not a finding of guilt; it protects the complainant, witnesses, evidence, the accused and the credibility of the investigation.
The public has not been told who is investigating, whether the team has specialised sexual offence training or what safeguards protect the complainant. The reported proposal for a “formal confrontation” is especially troubling because section 42 of the Sexual Offences Act protects a complainant from being required to recount an allegation in the accused’s presence unless she chooses to do so.
This matter requires an independent investigation led by trained sexual offence investigators and supported by medical, psychosocial and victim services professionals. Without independence, transparency and protection from political or institutional influence, this will become another investigation that produces no court, no accountability and no public explanation.
Regards,
Concerned citizen
Source: Kaieteur News
