By Sue-Ann Wayow
COMMISSIONER of Police Allister Guevarro has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged leaking of sensitive information involving a recent sexual assault.
The victim’s name, image and contents of a statement given by the complainant in a recent sexual assault investigation, is being shared on certain social media platforms.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) issued a media statement on Friday saying the investigation will seek to determine how the confidential information entered the public domain and to identify and hold accountable any person or persons found responsible for breaching the law or internal protocols.
The TTPS stated it noted with grave concern the statements issued by the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) regarding the alleged leak.
The release stated, “The TTPS wishes to underscore that the law is unambiguous on the manner in which sexual offences investigations are to be conducted, particularly concerning the protection of the identity and privacy of victims. The Sexual Offences Act and related laws exist precisely to safeguard victims from further trauma and to encourage the reporting of these serious crimes.”
The TTPS stated, “The TTPS remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the law, protecting victims, and ensuring that all investigations, especially those involving sexual offences, are conducted with the highest level of confidentiality, professionalism and sensitivity.
“We urge members of the public and the media to refrain from sharing or publishing any material that could further expose or harm the complainant, and to allow due process to take its course.”
Initially, on Thursday, head of the Assembly of Southern Lawyers Saira Lakhan in her personal capacity condemned the leaking of confidential information – including the name of the alleged victim in the matter of attorney Martin George who is charged with sexual assault offences.
LATT, the day after expressed similar concerns.
The leaked information has been widely shared on lawyers’ chats, and colleagues of the victim have been exposed to explicit details of the alleged offence.
LATT in a statement on Friday said, “This must not become the norm. The protection of the justice system depends on maintaining the confidentiality of such material until due process is followed.”
Lakhan is also an ordinary member of LATT.
