Jamaica declares emergency amid gang warfare
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
KINGSTON, May 24 (AFP): Jamaica's prime minister vowed tough action against a frenzy of gang violence in Kingston, imposing a state of emergency to curb armed supporters of an alleged druglord sought by the United States.
Premier Bruce Golding said that criminals "will not be allowed to triumph", as gang members rampaged through the capital, clashing with police and burning a police station to the ground. At least one death was reported.
Gunmen from various communities across the Caribbean nation of 2.8 million had joined with criminal elements, police said, in a bid to protect reputed gang leader Christopher "Dudus" Coke, who faces a US extradition request.
"The criminal element who have placed the society under siege will not be allowed to triumph," Golding said late Sunday in an address to the nation.
Premier Bruce Golding said that criminals "will not be allowed to triumph", as gang members rampaged through the capital, clashing with police and burning a police station to the ground. At least one death was reported.
Gunmen from various communities across the Caribbean nation of 2.8 million had joined with criminal elements, police said, in a bid to protect reputed gang leader Christopher "Dudus" Coke, who faces a US extradition request.
"The criminal element who have placed the society under siege will not be allowed to triumph," Golding said late Sunday in an address to the nation.