Gangs taking over in Jamaica
Troops and police have come under fire, and smoke is rising from the burning police station.
via BBC News
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Bruce Golding has denounced unrest in the capital city Kingston as a “calculated assault on the authority of the state”.
He vowed that criminals would not triumph, after supporters of an alleged druglord took to the streets to stop him from being arrested.
One police station was set on fire and two others shot at by suspected supporters of Christopher “Dudus” Coke.
The authorities have declared a state of emergency in parts of Kingston.
The trouble began late last week when the authorities announced they would arrest and extradite Mr Coke to the US.
His supporters set up barricades and said they would fight to protect him.
The BBC’s Nick Davis in Montego Bay says the capital now represents a city under siege.
Troops and police have come under fire, and smoke is rising from the burning police station.
Christopher “Dudus” Coke is accused of being a gang leader
|
Mr Golding said security forces would be “moving swiftly to bring the current situation under control”.
“Criminal elements bent on violence and mayhem will be detained,” he said in a televised address.
“What is taking place is a calculated assault on the authority of the state that cannot be tolerated, and will not be allowed to continue.”
A state of emergency allowing police to conduct searches without a warrant and restrict movement was put in place in West Kingston and St Andrew districts, where the violence broke out.
The government said the measures would be in place for at least a month.
The areas are a stronghold of support for Mr Coke, 41, who says he is a community leader.
Help Make A Difference By Sharing These Articles On Facebook, Twitter And Elsewhere:
