On 16 June 2026, four members of the Kingdom of Debre Zeit Human Rights Defenders, including its leader, Ambassador Luel Ras Mesfin Haile Selassie, were detained by police officers from the Half-Way Tree Police Station during a public demonstration outside King’s House in St. Andrew. According to media reports, the group was protesting against Jamaica’s continued constitutional relationship with the British monarchy and advocating for decolonisation, self-determination, and greater protection of human rights.
Representatives of the organisation stated that the demonstration sought to petition the Governor-General regarding what they consider violations of the rights of Jamaican citizens. Although four members were detained and one of the group’s vehicles was reportedly seized by the police during the incident, the organisation stated that it was nevertheless able to deliver its written petition to King’s House. Following the incident, members of the group expressed concern regarding what they described as state interference with their activities and indicated that they intend to continue their advocacy.
The incident raises issues relating to the exercise of the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and civic participation, particularly where civil society groups engage in public advocacy concerning matters of governance and constitutional reform.