After fifty years of being imprisoned without trial, George Williams walked out of the St Catherine Parish Court on Wednesday a free man. He had been waiting for 50 years after being arrested and charged for murder at age 20, in July 1970 but deemed unfit to plead. Attorney Isat Buchanan provided information on the court proceedings.
“The court heard evidence from Dr. Myo Kyaw Oo and Dr. Walcott, tow psychiatrists as well as a social inquiry report. The DPP after hearing the witnesses entered a nolle prosequi. Following that the matter ended. She offered no further evidence and Mr. Williams was a free man.”
George Williams was one of the individuals identified in a recent INDECOM report. His case being brought to light after 81-year-old Noel Chambers died in prison after spending 40 years in prison without trial.
Buchanan says the family of Williams is pleased with the outcome.
“His family certainly was very excited and he had overwhelming support. He was released to his family and even he was expressing how happy he was to be free,” says Williams. ” I’m hoping that the public will provide assistance, certainly the private sector in terms of basic amenities and things that Mr. Williams will need.”
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Delroy Chuck in his contribution to the sectoral debate in parliament has highlighted the need for reform in the justice system.
“Despite these results, Mr. Speaker, it is clear that there still exists an unacceptably long delay in setting trial dates and delivering judgments. We are seeing where cases that have been filed and are ready for trial in the Supreme Court are now being set for 2025/2026,” says Delroy Chuck.
