The Judiciary has condemned a recent statement from National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds which alleged that criminals have friends in the judiciary, saying the Minister’s comment can seriously undermine public trust and confidence in the Judiciary and the rule of law. 

It comes on the heels of Attorney General Reginald Armour, in what could be seen as an attempt to smooth over the Minister’s statement, saying he spoke to Hinds and was satisfied that he had no ill intent in his remarks.

In a statement on Thursday, the Judiciary maintained its concern regarding the statement.

“While the Judiciary has seen and recognises the statement of the Honourable Attorney General with regard to the statement of the Minister of National Security, the Judiciary notes that gratuitous statements such as those made by the Honourable Minister have a dangerous effect of undermining public trust and confidence in the Judiciary and the rule of law and as such have no place in our society. In these circumstances, the Judiciary is forced to condemn the unfortunate statement by the Honourable Minister that criminals have friends in the Judiciary,” the statement read.