Rights Group Leader and Three Others Held After Protest Near Governor General's Residence

Police took four men into custody on Monday after intervening at a demonstration staged close to the Governor General's official residence in the Half-Way Tree area, in an incident the group says left them feeling wronged by the same state they had come to petition.

Among those held was Ambassador Luel Ras Mesfin Haile Selassie, who leads the Kingdom of Debre Zeit of Human Rights Defenders, along with three other men. Officers attached to the Half Way Tree Police Station made the detentions after arriving at the site before the group could fully carry out their planned action.

The organisation said authorities already knew about the gathering, having been notified by email through the Governor General's office and through meetings held with Jamaica Defence Force officials. When members reached the location, they found at least three police patrol units already in position. Representatives said officers acted quickly, cutting off their attempts to explain themselves before matters intensified and the arrests followed.

The handcuffs were removed not long afterwards, and the demonstrators shifted their protest to the sidewalk along Hope Road, where they continued under police observation. A driver working with the group also claimed that, in addition to the detentions, officers seized his vehicle during the encounter.

Despite the disruption, members said they were still able to place their message in the Governor General's letterbox, though they described the process as difficult.

The Kingdom of Debre Zeit describes itself as a sovereign body and maintains that the Jamaican state has no right to interfere in its activities. The group said Monday's protest was aimed at what they believe are ongoing breaches of national law, which they link to what they call the continued legacy of British colonialism. They are also seeking international recognition for their organisation and have vowed to press ahead with efforts to educate Jamaicans about their human rights.

Police officers at the scene were unable to respond to the allegations when approached. The Jamaica Constabulary Force's Constabulary Communications Network was contacted and said a statement would be issued, but none had been provided by news time.