The alleged thief. Photo credit: HTS NewsForce
Attorney-at-Law Norman Francis has condemned the persons responsible for beating an alleged thief in Carielle, Castries on Wednesday, stating that people should not take justice into their own hands.
Francis told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) today that despite there have been very few incidents of this nature in Saint Lucia, there is still no place for vigilante justice in society.
“People have the police. They have to report these matters to the police and allow the police to do their work. Taking the law into your own hands is just not acceptable,” he asserted.
The attorney recalls that there have been cases in the past where people out of anger try to inflict serious injuries on robbery suspects, but said this should not be encouraged at all.
A video of a young male, who was allegedly caught breaking into a home in Carellie Wednesday morning, has been posted on Facebook group page, St. Lucians Aiming For Progress (SLAPS).
In the video, the suspect, who is tied by the foot to a concrete column, is being beaten with sticks and tree branches by several men as he bawls and begs for mercy.
The video has gone viral but has evoked mixed reactions. Many persons on SLAPS are rejoicing on the suspect’s capture and his punishment at the hands of the civilians while a few others commented that vigilante justice is illegal. Some believe the beating was not enough.
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