Diana Mahabir-Wyatt, chair of the Coalition Against Domestic Violence, has expressed concern about the lack of action from the authorities following the airing of the rape of a 13-year-old disabled girl on the TV6 programme Crime Watch.The coalition added its voice to the growing number of groups and individuals condemning the airing of the video during prime family viewing time.
Public statements of condemnation have come from the Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) and the Rape Crisis Society.The video was aired on October 25 and was re-broadcast the following day.In a statement yesterday, Mahabir-Wyatt said: "We have waited to hear of any action being taken in relation to this cruel travesty being visited on a mentally-disabled child but to date there has been none.
"The brevity of the exposure is irrelevant as any ten year-old with a working knowledge of technology, subsequently downloading the clip on You Tube where it was available for the world to witness, could pause the clip to see the anguished little face. What, we wonder, has become of the standards of TV6?" According to Mahabir-Wyatt, since the child is only 13-year-old, there are serious issues of legality.
She added: "So even if we accept the argument that Ian Alleyne is a sensation-seeking innocent, unconscious of the culture in which he lives, a culture that will mock, deride and punish the victim of a rape, a man who, in his genuine ignorance doesn't know any better, there have to be editors and producers of his programme who are responsible for having his programme broadcast."
...teen charged with the offence
A Morvant teenager was yesterday remanded in custody having been charged with the rape of a 13-year-old disabled girl.Jonathan Williams, 18, of Never Dirty, Morvant, was not called upon to plead when he appeared before Magistrate Gloria Jasmath in the Port-of-Spain 11th Court. The incident allegedly occurred on June 11. It is said to have been recorded by cellphone camera subsequently finding its way on a popular television show, causing public outrage and condemnation.
Williams was arrested by officers of the North Eastern Division Task Force last Friday near his home.The accused represented himself while police prosecutor Sgt Azard Ali appeared for the State.The defendant is expected to reappear in court next Tuesday. Up to late yesterday evening, a 17-year-old teenager, also of Morvant was expected to surrender to the Morvant police station in connection with the incident in the company of his attorney. (DA)