Lawyer wants justice for victim

A LAWYER and chairman of the Individual and Community Rights Advocacy Forum Paul Harricknen says the death of Rodha Dick allegedly at the hands of police in Alotau last December needs to be investigated and the killer brought to justice.
He said the 86-year-old had been allegedly shot by a police officer during a pursuit of wanted criminal Tommy Baker and his gang on Dec 6.
Harricknen told The National that justice delayed was often seen as justice denied.
“Our people expect institutions of state administering and enforcing the rule of law to ensure application of due process without fear or favour,” he said.
Harricknen said from the brief he had received Dick had been shot by police at least 30 minutes after Baker and his accomplices had come through Kivata Compound.
Police were also alleged to have burned down 18 houses at the compound and fired shots in all directions during the pursuit.
Harricknen said Dick’s family and the community were entitled to know the findings of the post mortem and the culpability on the part of law enforcement.
“I call on the police to speed up the process and ensure justice is served in this matter for the deceased, her family and community,” he said.
Police Minister Bryan Kramer also told The National on Friday that he had instructed the ACP administration Joanne Clarkson to look into the issue as a priority.