Cabinet to discuss 'death squad' lawyer fees

Cabinet is expected to give consent shortly for the release of funds to pay legal fees owed to lawyers for police personnel facing murder charges arising from the so-called death squad cases.

The cases, which involve about nine policemen, have stalled in the courts as the attorneys insist that they be paid.

Norman Godfrey, the attorney representing Constable Collis 'Chucky' Brown in his second murder trial, revealed in court recently, that he has not be paid for the first case.

Brown was found not guilty of murder and wounding with intent in the first trial, which ended last year.

The Ministry of National Security, through its Legal Defense Fund, provides assistance for cops facing criminal charges arising from incidents that occur in the line of duty.

Minister of National Security Robert Montague announced last week that $107 million has been allocated to the Fund, up from the $20 million that was set aside in the current Budget.