ST THOMAS, Jamaica – Labelling a video clip showing an altercation between a man clad in orange and a councillor from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) as an “act of intimidation and assault”, the People’s National Party says the incident violates the principles of democracy.

In a statement on Tuesday, Shadow Minister of Citizen Security, Peter Bunting, condemned the actions of the JLP councillor, who has since been identified as Dean Jones.

Jones was captured pulling his firearm during the altercation with the man in orange before others intervened.

READ: St Thomas Police investigating altercation between JLP councillor and man clad in orange

In his statement, Bunting said over the last 48 hours, Jones “and his accompanying thugs” have been carrying out acts of intimidation and assault that “not only violate the principles of democracy but also pose a grave threat to the safety and security of our citizens.”

Bunting outlined that prior to the incident captured on video, another altercation unfolded at the Trinityville School on Sunday, where “peaceful PNP Workers Meeting was in progress.”

Bunting alleged that “Dean Jones, accompanied by three carloads of JLP supporters, engaged in provocative and intimidating actions aimed at disrupting the democratic process.”

The statement said a report of that incident was filed with the police. It went on further to highlight that the altercation captured on video took place in Springfield, St Thomas on Monday and alleges that the scuffle was a result of Jones entering the premises of the man in orange, later identified as Wayne Walker.

“In this shocking event, Dean Jones confronted Wayne Walker..demanding the removal of an orange shirt and armband associated with the PNP. The situation escalated to violence as Jones and his thugs, dressed in green, assaulted Walker. In an alarming turn of events, Jones brandished a firearm, further escalating the tension. Even when Walker complied, stooping down with hands raised, the assailants continued to beat and kick him,” the statement read.

Bunting, a former minister of national security, urged the Jamaica Constabulary Force to act swiftly and thoroughly in their investigation.

“I condemn these heinous acts in the strongest possible terms. Violence and intimidation have no place in our political discourse…Such behaviour undermines the democratic values we hold dear and threatens the safety of our citizens.”

The Opposition is also calling on the High Command through Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey to keep the public continually updated on the investigations.

Meanwhile, lawyers for Jones, in a statement on Tuesday, said their client was “physically attacked by persons unknown to him causing him to sustain injuries” while he was conducting business.

The letter stated that Jones was in imminent fear of his life. The letter was signed by attorneys-at-law Alexander Shaw and Trevor Cuff.

“Aware of the mounting threat to his person, our client took defensive action to de-escalate the situation.” A police report was also reportedly filed.

Describing the incident as a very “traumatic”one for their client, the attorneys have since advised the public to respect their client’s privacy at this time and to refrain from politicising the matter.