Dudus Extradition Revisited: Reverend Al Miller Victim Of Tyrannical Justice?

Dudus Extradition Revisited

Perspective: As we all, with bated breath, await the impending sentencing of the colourful Reverend Al Miller. The whole episode begs the question: Is this a classical case of tyrannical justice meted out to the man of the cloth?

Religious Leaders of various denominations issued a joint statement recently asking for “mercy” frowning on the “verdict”… this is a most unusual move.

The position taken by the learned Parish Judge/Magistrate Simone Wolfe Reese, from all appearances …. leaves much to be desired. The Judge in her wisdom, has found the noted clergy man guilty of “Perverting The Course of Justice.” There has been considerable public outcry at this finding.

Background

Reverend Miller was carrying out his civic duty of being “Amicus Curie” (friend of the court).

In my perspective it is no secret that the clergy has assisted law enforcement to better secure our society. Many alleged gunmen who have been announced by say the police as a person of interest and wanted … these suspects, oftentimes go to their pastor who in turn liaise with law enforcement as found necessary, hand themselves over or are taken in by their pastor.

Christopher “Dudus” Coke was being taken to the US Embassy by Reverend Al Miller, as Coke was prepared to waive his right to extradition to the United States.

Coke had feared that he would have met his death at the hands of the security forces (Police). He did not want to be in a local jail .. . and God forbid to meet the fate of his father who died in jail (General Penitentiary).

Dudus is now in jail in the USA, having been extradited to face drug charges there. In a Plea Bargain he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to ship cocaine.

Exta-judicial Killings

It is no secret that it widely perceived that there have been allegations that suspects have been wrongly executed by allegedly rogue elements in the security forces. It is with this mindset that the reverend Al Miller’s role in trying to assist in the safety of Christopher “Dudus” Coke must be viewed.

Allegations regarding the existence of death squads in the police force, is rampant.

Jim Brown, (Coke’s Father), Mario Dean, for a spiff, died in police custody, and others who do not readily come to mind at this time … (died in police custody). Coke feared this fate.

INDECOM report on such cases routinely.

Death Sentence

These suspects were not found guilty in any court of law, but unfortunately, if not sadly got a death sentence for just being incarcerated. Crudely dispatched to their Maker without their consent nor prior negotiations.

It is not my intention to cast any unfounded aspersions on the conduct and or integrity of the justice system or the judge in the case … still before the court, but as a free citizen in a free country in a democracy … there is nothing that prevents me from examining any public office or officer … especially when they are my employees …. paid from my taxes. They are ultimately answerable to me.

Risked Life

The reverend Al Miller risked his life to serve the needs of a brother who had taken him in confidence and whose trust he had secured. The powers at be had considerable difficulty locating Dudus.

High Command

Reverend Miller was in contact with then Police Commissioner Owen Ellington, so his action was not a clandestine operation without the full knowledge and consent of the powers at be.
Evidence to this effect was unearthed in the Dudus Inquiry.

This cooperation between state and clergymen/folks is an aged old tradition. For the judicial system/officers to be ignorant of this long standing arrangement is incredible.

It should be noted that ignorance is no excuse under the law. Is this a case that some of us find it convenient for our own reasons to be ignorant whenever it suits our cause? We hope not.

The 64 million dollar questions are: Did the Reverend Al Miller get the justice he deserved, if not? why not?

Of course there is the avenue of appeal. Despite our reservations, we have every confidence in the integrity of the system.

Strange occurrences do happen, is this a case of the proverbial wolf in sheep clothing?

In the final analysis, the verdict is yours.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent & photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.