The man recorded in a viral video making negative comments about Prime Minister Andrew Holness is taking legal action against the State for his subsequent detention.
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Attorneys-at-law Bert Samuels and Clyde Williams
The man who was arrested earlier this week by the police after being seen in a viral video hurling insults at Prime Minister Andrew Holness, is taking legal action against the State for his detention.
This was confirmed by his attorney, Charles Ganga-Singh.
Mr. Ganga-Singh told Radio Jamaica News that his client was questioned and released without charge on Wednesday afternoon.
He said the process to initiate legal action has begun and a claim will be filed very soon.
Mr. Ganga-Singh explained that the action will be in relation to his client's detention, the entry of the police into his house, and issues related to his privacy.
The video ignited national debate and generated criticism against the man for his actions.
He had used strong language and harshly criticised the Prime Minister, but was later filmed inside what appears to be a police station apologising for his actions.
The police later issued a statement that he was a suspect in a case of larceny.
After a question-and-answer session on Wednesday, the man was released by the St. Ann police.
Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson subsequently ordered the Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau to investigate the actions of police personnel during the arrest.
The commissioner reminded members of the force that apologies are not to be solicited or coerced from members of the public.
A statement issued by the Jamaica Constabulary Force on Wednesday said, given the level of complexity when resolving matters and risk associated with the job, there are times when it may be necessary to video record aspects of policing operations.
However, it said steps must be taken to ensure that images are not improperly circulated.
Case against gov't
Attorney-at-law Bert Samuels is of the view that the man who was arrested by the police has a case against the government.
Speaking on Radio Jamaica's Beyond the Headlines on Wednesday evening, Mr. Samuels said the actions of the police could cost taxpayers as the man could sue for false imprisonment, trespass to his home and any other breach of his rights.
Attorney Clyde Williams, who was also a guest on the programme, argued that the police should not have allowed the man's image to be released if he was indeed a suspect in a larceny case, since that would have required an identification parade.
"The lawyers in the country and people who think clearly will see that all of that was a red herring because of the kick-back in the public space," he contended.
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