The two policemen charged with the murder of two men who were abducted from a plaza along Washington Boulevard in December 2004 have been granted bail in the sum of $1.5 million, each with sureties.

Assistant Superintendent Victor Barrett, who is charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder, was also granted bail in the same amount.

Corporals Paul Edwards and Louie Lynch are charged with the murder of 20-year-old Kemar Walters of Kitson Town, St Catherine, and 35-year-old Oliver Duncan of Olympic Gardens, Kingston 11.

Senior Puisne Judge Marva McIntosh, in granting them bail, imposed strict conditions.

To surrender documents

The policemen, who were arrested and charged last week Wednesday, are to surrender their travel documents to the Registrar of the Supreme Court and are to report to the Office of the Commissioner of Police on Wednesdays and Saturdays. They have been placed under curfew and must be at home from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Stop orders have been placed on them so that they cannot leave the island.

Some of the policemen's colleagues turned up at court yesterday to support them.

K. Churchill Neita, one of the lawyers representing the three policemen, said he hoped those who were supporting their colleagues would not be victimised.

Don't support colleagues

Neita told the court that it was brought to his attention that a very senior police officer went to the accused men's colleagues at the Organised Crime Investigation Division and told them that he did not expect them to support the accused men.

He argued that what took place was intimidation and a violation of the fundamental rights and freedom of the citizens of Jamaica who wanted to support whomever they wished. He stressed that "nobody, no matter where they come from, should come here and interfere with this process".

The judge advised Neita to take up the matter with the police hierarchy.

Defence lawyers Valerie Neita-Robertson and Patrick Peterkin are also appearing for the accused policemen.

Constable Peter Silvera, who has not yet been located, is also to be charged with the double murder.

Walters and Duncan were handcuffed by policemen and driven away from Washington Plaza, off the Washington Boulevard, St Andrew, on December 23, 2004. They have not been seen since. The Crown is alleging that the men were shot dead.

barbara.gayle@gleanerjm.com