A row has broken out between Jersey's Home Affairs Minister and Deputy Bob Hill over the arrest of the island's former Health Minister.
Earlier this week, Deputy Hill wrote to Senator Ian Le Marquand asking him to explain the circumstances surrounding Senator Stuart Syvret's arrest on Monday.
In his letter, Deputy Hill said: "I am concerned about a number of matters relating to the incident, which not only cause me concern from a States member point of view, but also as a member of the general public."
He went on to ask the Minister to "publish a statement relating to the circumstances that led to the alleged arrest and seven hour detention of a States member."
But yesterday, Ian Le Marquand replied to Deputy Hill's message, saying he would be unable to answer any of his questions.
His message said: "This is an operational matter and not a policy matter. It would be quite wrong for me to make a public statement relating to an individual case. Apart from any other considerations, that could prejudice any future trial. Senator Syvret should not be treated differently to any other member of the public."
Deputy Hill later sent a reply to the Home Affairs Minister, describing his message as "disappointing."
He finished by asking, "If the Minister has no say in operational matters, even when they raise such public concern, then who are the States Police accountable to?"
Police released Senator Syvret on Monday afternoon, after he had spent more than six hours in custody. He has not been charged with any offence.
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