JAMAICANS for Justice (JFJ) yesterday extend condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Constable Richard King who was murdered in Fletcher’s Land, Kingston early Sunday morning.

“We condemn the violence that plagues our nation and the individuals who perpetrate it,” the human rights group said in a press statement. “We encourage anybody with information about this or any other crime to come forward to the police,” said the rights group.

“JFJ appreciates that the police play an integral role in the protection of citizens and the maintenance of law and order; killing police officers goes against the very fabric of our nation’s liberty and democracy,” said the group.

It added that the loss of life of another member of the police force – or of any Jamaican citizen – due to violent crime is both disquieting and disconcerting.

Said the rights group: “JFJ recognises that the police often have very difficult situations to handle and in instances when a police officer is tragically slain, such as the senseless killing of Constable King, the police deserve community support in facing the tragedy.”

The human rights group said it was dedicated to working towards helping to create a justice system that will both uphold human rights and lead to the apprehension, trial, conviction and punishment of all those who commit such heinous crimes and cause such human suffering and grief.