JAMAICA: Amnesty International's forensic expert to observe Braeton autopsies

Dr. Leth will be working at the request of and acting as a consultant to Amnesty International, in order to safeguard that the autopsies be carried out in conformity with the principles embodied in the United Nations Manual on the Effective Prevention and Investigation of Extra-Legal, Arbitrary and Summary Executions (New York 1991).

Dr. Leth is a highly experienced pathologist who has also been working in Former Yugoslavia as a consultant to The War Crimes Tribunal in the Hague.

Any press enquiries should be directed to Amnesty International's International Secretariat, on: +44 207 413 5562

Background

The above-mentioned principles state, inter alia, that investigations of all suspected cases of extra-legal, arbitrary or summary executions shall include an adequate autopsy, as well as collection and analysis of all physical and documentary evidence and statements from witnesses. The body of the deceased person shall not be disposed of until an adequate autopsy is conducted by a physician, who shall, if possible, be an expert in forensic pathology. The autopsy report must describe any and all injuries to the deceased including any evidence of torture Autopsy reports should attempt to establish the identity of the deceased and the cause, manner, time and place of death.