Bahamian State Held Liable for Assault

The Bahamas’ highest court has ruled the government liable for the unlawful detention and sexual assault of Edwards Bethel in 2014, holding state officials responsible for the actions of former immigration officer Norman Bastian. Despite government arguments, both the Court of Appeal and Privy Council sided with Bethel’s family, paving the way for compensation. Attorney General Ryan Pinder acknowledged the state’s duty to pay “proper compensation,” emphasizing justice over apology. Bethel, a Jamaican woman married to a Bahamian, was arrested without cause, then raped by Bastian under false pretenses while in state custody. She died in 2021 at 35, just after giving birth — never living to see this historic ruling. Immigration Director Stephen Laroda said he’s ready to apologize, pending direction from the Attorney General’s Office. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1540348245849462