00:00The first wave movement is raising serious concerns over the criminal charges to be laid against Kaia Seeley
00:08following the police-involved shooting death of Joshua Samaru.
00:12In a media statement issued today, the organization described the DPP's decision as quote-unquote
00:17deeply flawed, arguing that Seeley herself was a victim after being paralyzed following the incident.
00:24The group referred to CCTV footage, which they point out shows Samaru with his hands outside the vehicle
00:31in what appeared to be an act of surrender before police opened fire.
00:36They also argued that no evidence has been publicly presented showing Seeley fired at officers.
00:42The release further questioned the police account of the incident, noting that while officers
00:47allege Samaru fired first, no firearm or gunpowder residue report has been publicly disclosed.
00:54The first wave movement also expressed concern over the time taken to complete forensic analysis,
01:01saying the nearly four-month delay raises questions about possible interference and transparency.
01:07The organization accused police of using excessive force and argued that constitutional protections
01:13guaranteeing the right to life and security were violated.
01:19The group also referenced the UK case of R.V. Clegg, saying international legal precedent
01:25supports accountability when law enforcement uses disproportionate force.
01:29Among the questions raised were why Seeley was charged despite surviving police gunfire,
01:35why the forensic report has not been made public,
01:38and whether consultations between the DPP and police compromise prosecutorial independence.
01:45The movement is now demanding the immediate withdrawal of charges against Seeley,
01:50the release of all forensic evidence, and criminal charges against the officers involved.
01:55It is also calling for a parliamentary inquiry into the DPP's independence
01:59and the establishment of stronger civilian oversight mechanisms for police shootings.
02:04Founder and leader of the first wave movement, Umar Abdullah, says the case is about more than one individual,
02:12describing it as a test of justice, accountability and human rights in Trinidad and Tobago.
02:18Urvashi Tawwari, Rubnarain, TV6 News.
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