Fresh allegations of brutality at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre surfaced yesterday after a Jamaican detainee claimed he was severely beaten and threatened with death by a Royal Bahamas defence Force Officer.
The 27-year-old Jamaican man, who spoke to The Tribune after his release from the centre yesterday, asked to withhold his identity as he continues to fear for his life.
He said he must seek medical attention after being the victim of violent abuse at the hands of a Defence Force Officer guarding the detainees.
The allegation follows repeaated abuse claims by Cuban nationals detained at the centre. Demonstrators outside the Bahamian consulate in Miami last week called for Cubans and Americans to boycott the Bahamas because of the allegations.
Amnesty Inetrnational has condemned the centre and called for a commission of inquiry into the allegations of torture and abuse.
A police investigation ordered by Vincent Peet found no evidence of abuse but was immediately called a “white-wash” by Bahamian human rights activists. Less than 24 hours after the report was released, Cuban detainees rioted, setting a dormitory on fire and mounting an escape attempt.
The Jamaican detainee told The Tribune yesterday that the incident began when he and a number of other Jamaicans detained at the centre pleaded with a DEfence Force Officer to be allowed a phone call.
Source: Paco Nunez, The Tribune
