Human rights lobby group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) has condemned the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Terron Hewitt by a member of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) in Central Kingston on Monday.

Hewitt was shot dead at a State of Emergency (SOE) checkpoint on Lawes Street. Videos of the incident have gone viral on social media with many dubbing the killing as murder.4

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has launched a probe into the fatal shooting

READ: INDECOM probes fatal shooting by soldier at SOE checkpoint

The lobby group is calling for a swift and thorough investigation of the incident.

In a statement on Tuesday, the organisation said that while it is alleged that the deceased removed a barrier which resulted in an altercation between himself and members of the JDF, “the response of the security forces should have been proportionate, legal and necessary.”

“More so, as Mr Hewitt is seemingly walking away and appears to be unarmed. This incident has once again placed the spotlight on the disturbing manner in which security forces continue to use force, especially in communities from the lower socioeconomic strata of society, with devastating effects on those who live there and bear witness to the atrocities committed,” the statement continued.

JFJ said it is important to note that upon commencement of its investigations, INDECOM’s statement highlighted that:

(i) no member of the JCF was present at the time of the incident and

(ii) no firearm was reported as recovered at the scene or in possession of Mr Hewitt at the time.

According to JFJ, the soldier in question should be removed from frontline duty and the “JDF needs to clarify his status while addressing any internal investigation that it may have commenced into the matter.”

The lobby group is also calling for the full report, once prepared, to be made public in the interest of transparency.

“Far too often these unfortunate incidents occur and no public updates are provided,” the statement said.

The organisation insists that if the government is “serious about improving its human rights record and cares about the people of Jamaica, members of the security forces need to be held to a high standard and act with transparency and accountability.”