19 July 201116 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Australia: Police face fury after death of African man

originally by: The Age.com
17th July 2011

More than 250 people from the local African-Australian community gathered in Flemington yesterday to demand a full investigation into the death of Michael Atakelt, 22, found dead in the Maribyrnong River on July 7. Many present, representing local families and community groups, said the young man’s death was yet another tragedy for a community already grieving for their youth, who they claim are harassed by some Victoria Police officers.

The man’s father, Getachen Atakelt Seyoum, said Footscray police officers had told him his son had no injuries when found. But when he identified him, he had a damaged left eyeball, a smashed nose, a big scratch and blood on his face, and his body was covered in bruises, he said. Michael Atakelt had been held by Footscray police overnight and released on June 26, the day he went missing.

22 December 201016 December 2022 4WardEverUK

‘Supervision’ is not enough; the IPCC must handle this investigation themselves

originally by: Jody McIntyre
Independent Blogs – 17th December 2010

When yesterday’s headlines announced that the police would be ‘probing’ my official complaint to the IPCC, after being dragged out of my wheelchair by an officer at Thursday’s student demonstration, some kind of medical examination was the first thought that popped into my mind. But upon closer examination, it becomes evident to me that the IPCC have no interest in getting to the truth of the matter, let alone handing out some kind of justice.

Of course, I will be fully co-operating with the investigation, and will be offering my help in any way possible, but if the IPCC were intent on ensuring this incident was independently and fairly investigated, then they would manage the thing themselves.

7 December 201016 December 2022 4WardEverUK

No10 Security refused deaths in custody letter

all credits: David ‘Panda’ Mery
published: 30th October 2010

The United Families and Friends Campaign UFFC, a coalition of families and friends of those who have died in the custody of police, prison and psychiatric hospital officials, organised a procession to Downing Street to give a letter to the Prime Minister. The police refused to let Samantha Rigg-David in Downing Street and they refused to accept it.

The letter was taped to the gate; a copy will be sent by post; it is reproduced below. Whether the decision not to accept the letter was entirely a police operational one or a political one, it showed a shameful lack of respect to those families seeking justice and peace.

The last conviction of a police officer following a death in custody was in 1971 [following the brutal killing of David Oluwale in Leeds].

See the full re-produced letter here >