Largest Drug Bust Probe Still Active - DPP Urges Caution
Director Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mrs. Tiffany Scatliffe-Esprit is urging public restraint in the matter of the largest drug bust in the Territory's history.
"While we understand the inherent news value of the case stemming from last week’s seizure of firearms and illicit drugs, we would urge all commenters, pundits and journalists to exercise good judgment in their coverage and discussions of the case," Scatliffe-Esprit said in a statement.
The DPP added that irresponsible comments, hasty reporting and inflammatory rhetoric may hinder the ongoing investigative work of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, thereby delaying justice in this case.
In addition, she explained that careless comments by the public may put the fairness of the trial in jeopardy.
"Under the Virgin Islands Constitution (Section 16), all those charged with an offence have the right to a fair hearing before the law. Finally, we wish to remind all members of the public that defamatory comments, whether made in print, over the airwaves or on the Internet, are an offence under Virgin Islands law, and that comments published on any website are the legal responsibility of the said website," the DPP stated.
The DPP added that irresponsible comments, hasty reporting and inflammatory rhetoric may hinder the ongoing investigative work of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, thereby delaying justice in this case.
In addition, she explained that careless comments by the public may put the fairness of the trial in jeopardy.
"Under the Virgin Islands Constitution (Section 16), all those charged with an offence have the right to a fair hearing before the law. Finally, we wish to remind all members of the public that defamatory comments, whether made in print, over the airwaves or on the Internet, are an offence under Virgin Islands law, and that comments published on any website are the legal responsibility of the said website," the DPP stated.
