Minister’s son released without charge
Robeson Benn Jr, the son of Works and Transport Minister Robeson Benn, has been released on his own recognisance by police even as they continue to probe allegations that he brutally assaulted his ex-girlfriend last Sunday. Kaieteur News understands that Benn Jr. who walked in to the police station on Tuesday, two days after the alleged incident, was released after spending a few hours at the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost. He had earlier given a statement to the police denying the allegations.
Robeson Benn Jr.
On Sunday the 27-year-old woman alleged that she was assaulted by the Minister’s son whom she claimed was brandishing a gun. A senior police source could not say if or when charges will be instituted against the young man. On Tuesday the Women and Gender Equality Commission expressed great concern over the police’s approach towards the matter. As an advocating body for gender equality and justice, the Commission charged, “Whoever, we don’t care at what level; if they have committed an unlawful act, they must feel the full force of the law.” Responding to questions about the police, who waited for Benn’s family to turn him in, the Commissioners were adamant that law enforcers need not wait and should be proactive in such matters. Renata Chuck-A-Sang continued that there are clear guidelines as to the functions of the police. She said that a lot of money has been spent on training police officers. The government has gone through much trouble to provide the governing legislation, she added. Vanda Radzik, representing women, added, “We cannot have the key enforcement agency under the Domestic Violence Act reneging on what are its clear duties.” She added that when the police do not act accordingly in these matters, they themselves are breaking the law, “it is a breach of the Constitution, it is a breach of the Act and it means the law is being broken.” Nicole Cole, Commissioner and member of the Rights of the Child, said that as it relates to rape and sexual offences, there is supposed to be a standard protocol within all police stations. She said these victims are supposed to be placed on PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), within 72 hours, which prevents HIV infections, and is applicable also in terms of other sexually transmitted diseases. While the police may seem to turn away persons or ask them to return at a later date, it was noted that this is one of the most important steps that must be taken by the police to ensure the safety of rape and sexual violence victims. Coupled with that, the Commissioners highlighted that one of the reasons the police charged that they could not see an excess of 60 percent of cases going to court was mainly for the lack of evidence and victims unwilling to testify against assailants. They however charged, when asked, that the police force needs to act accordingly in this regard. Every police station, they emphasized, is supposed to have a rape kit. The stations must be equipped and be able to deal with the particular matters in relation to their training. The Commissioners suggested that if official resources are not equipped to deal with the specified matters, then non-governmental agencies can be authorized to conduct basic or interim services so that access to justice could become a reality. They also said that in these particular matters concerning high profile persons, there should be a police investigative unit or autonomous body – to whom they plan to write stating their concerns and interest. The Commission urged too that members of the public do the same as to get the desired outcome when dealing with issues of rape and domestic violence.
