Bias in the justice system

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I am aware that $750 million was stolen from banks in Jamaica in 2018 alone. This ­illustrates a political bias to punish the poor and powerless and leave so-called white-­collar criminals virtually unbothered.

There has been a 10 per cent conviction rate, with most culprits getting a slap on the wrist, and a moderate fine.

I consider the declaration of a state of ­emergency in an economically challenged neighbourhood discriminatory, because it ­dehumanises all its residents and strips them of their human rights, such as habeas corpus and the right to a fair trial.

I view it as unfair to strip already-­disenfranchised people of their human dignity, while giving other criminals ‘special treatment’.

BRIAN E. PLUMMER

brianplummer@yahoo.com