Law enforcement is appealing to the public to cease circulating a video showing the sexual assault of an underage girl by a group of boys, as it risks further traumatizing the victim and could impede the investigation. Deputy Superintendent Michael Campbell confirmed the arrest of six teenage boys linked to the incident, with the police continuing their probe. Authorities remind citizens that sharing such content may breach the Child Pornography (Prevention) Act, carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison.

Boys held for sex assault caught on video to seek legal representation

Jamaica Gleaner/25 Nov 2024/Andre Williams/Staff Reporter 

SIX TEENAGE boys taken into custody in relation to the sexual assault of an under-age girl are to remain under the supervision of the state while they seek legal representation

Deputy Superintendent of Police Michael Campbell, commander for the St Catherine South police division, told The Gleaner yesterday that the boys were picked up at separate locations over the weekend after the police commenced a probe into the incident captured on video and being circulated on social media. In the video, the girl is seen being physically and sexually assaulted by a group of boys.

The incident, the date of which has not been determined, reportedly took place in a St Catherine community.

Campbell told The Gleaner that the matter will proceed when the boys in custody are properly represented.

“I can’t tell you when that will happen, but that’s a part of the process,” he said when asked if there will be a question-andanswer session anytime soon.

He could not, however, speak definitively to whether the young girl in question was also in the custody of the state or still with her family.

The police are urging the public to refrain from sharing the video as they say this can further traumatise the victim and by extension affect the successful outcome of the case.

The lawmen are also reminding citizens that sharing such content might constitute a breach of the Child Pornography (Prevention) Act, and persons found guilty are subject to imprisonment for up to 20 years.

In the meantime, Gender Minister Olivia Grange and Minister of Education Dr Dana Morris Dixon, in a joint media statement, yesterday both condemned the incident.

DEEPLY CONCERNED

Grange said she was outraged and deeply concerned by the sexual assault of the young female student.

“This is appalling and despicable and has no place in our society. It shows why, as a nation, we must come together to protect our women and girls. It is heartbreaking to see this kind of violence, especially against our children, who should be nurtured and protected in every space they occupy.”

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) is observed today, November 25.

IDEVAW annually is a day to recall the horrific and gruesome murder of three sisters and to mobilise action around the strategies to address the vexed issue of violence against women and girls.

Grange called for all Jamaicans to take a stand against genderbased violence and emphasised the importance of fostering a culture of respect and safety for women and girls.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our children are safeguarded, both physically and emotionally, and that perpetrators of such crimes are held accountable,” she said.

For her part, Morris Dixon said the incident not only highlighted the pervasive issue of violence against women and girls but also underscored the urgent need to “address this scourge” through education, awareness, and enforcement of the law.

“The Ministry of Education stands ready to provide counselling and psycho-social support to the student, families and members of the community affected by this traumatic event. This type of violence being perpetuated by students cannot be tolerated,” Morris Dixon said.

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