The Jamaican Bar Association (JAMBAR) is condemning the circulation of sensitive details regarding Judge Ruth Lawrence following her death, arguing that it violates her dignity and data protection rights.
A police report into the death of Ms. Lawrence was widely circulated on social media, revealing her age, residence, husband's name, age and occupation, as well as how she is believed to have died.
In a press release, JAMBAR called for all relevant authorities to thoroughly review the circumstances surrounding the release of this information.
President Tenneshia Watkins said while the legal fraternity mourns, it is deeply troubled by the apparent non-observance of the Data Protection Act (DPA), which enshrines the right to privacy and the dignity of the individual even in death.
Ms. Watkins stated that the law affirms that personal data must be handled with care, respect and lawful purpose.
She said the dissemination of intimate and distressing information, without appropriate safeguards or justification, undermines the solemnity of death, the humanity of the deceased and those who are left to mourn her passing.
The DPA protects the data of deceased individuals from up to 30 years after their death.
Ms. Watkins is urging media entities, public officials and private citizens, to exercise restraint and compassion when handing matters of such profound sensitivity.
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