By IANTHIA SMITH
National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest released the latest National Security figures in the House of Assembly yesterday. He said 130 murder suspects are currently out on bail. (Photo/Torrell Glinton)
Nearly 150 murder suspects are out on bail today as they wait on a clogged judicial system to make way for their trials to begin.
According to the latest National Security figures 130 people who have been charged with murders in the country are walking the streets freely, after being granted bail.
National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest released the figures in The House of Assembly Wednesday while contributing to debate on the Supreme Court Act, which would allow the number of justices in the country’s judicial system to be increased.
"Of this number, 111 have been committed to the Supreme Court, and 19 are still in the preliminary investigation stage," he said. "The granting of bail to persons charged with murder is particularly controversial and emotive in our country. That means that there are 257 persons charged with murder whose cases have not been determined."
"The public is concerned, and rightly so, that persons charged with murder are given bail, and remain free to coerce, compel and influence others, and tragically, to kill again."
Mr. Turnquest explained that in setting bail, the courts are following the law, sometimes granting bail because cases have not been prepared and presented expeditiously.
He added that the number of people on bail for murder influences public perception of the unacceptable state of crime in The Bahamas.
"It is critical that more persons charged with murder have their cases decided by the courts, and this bill increases the number of justices to make sure this objective is seen," he added.
"The release of persons on bail for murder and serious crimes (is a serious issue). Recently an accused murderer was able to evade due process because of a witness recanting his statement, and this has been one of the main causes for the escalation of such crimes."
He also noted that total figures for crimes against the person, up to April 30, show that there are 242 people on remand for both murder and armed robbery.
"Of this number, 109 are charged with murder, 115 are charged with armed robbery, and 18 are charged with both murder and armed robbery," he said.
"Undoubtedly this is a state of affairs that must be addressed as a matter of priority. This bill provides for and improves the prospects that these persons would come before the courts and have their matters heard and decided."
Mr. Turnquest added that with these figures and an inefficient legal system in tow, there is no way the country can continue on as if it is business as usual, as the criminal element wreaks havoc on society.
He said the fact that the government has brought this bill to parliament is a clear indication of how serious the government is about the bail issue.
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