24 November 201520 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Ms Dhu’s family calls for end to jail for fines as death in custody inquest begins

source: The Guardian
published: 23 November 2015

The family of Aboriginal woman Ms Dhu, who died while paying off a fine by serving time in police cells, has called for an end to the practice of jailing people for unpaid fines.

Ms Dhu, a 22-year-old Yamatji woman whose full name is not used for cultural reasons, was found unresponsive in a cell at the South Hedland police station on 4 August, 2014. An inquest into her death began in Perth on Monday.

She had been taken into custody four days earlier because she had about $1,000 in unpaid fines, and had twice been taken to hospital and returned to her cell after complaining of severe stomach pains.

20 July 201520 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Sheku Bayoh: Partner says her tears will not dry

source: Daily Record
published: 19 July 2015

The heartbroken partner of a man who died after being restrained by police has told how her tears will not dry until she gets justice for him. Collette Bell says she has researched deaths in custody similar to boyfriend Sheku Bayoh’s and has been left “horrified”.

She also told of her grief at the loss of Sheku – who she called Sheik – and how their five-month-old son Isaac constantly reminds her of his dad.

The 27-year-old will join his family and friends at a series of events to raise funds for their campaign to find out how Sheku died.

18 July 201520 December 2022 4WardEverUK

NYC reaches $5.9 million settlement in chokehold death of Eric Garner

source: Global News
published: 13 July 2015

The family of a black man who died after being placed in a white police officer’s chokehold reached a $5.9 million settlement with the city on Monday, days before the anniversary of his death.

Eric Garner’s family in October filed a notice of claim, the first step in filing a lawsuit against the city, asking for $75 million.

Garner, who was 43, was stopped last July 17 outside a Staten Island convenience store because police officers believed he was selling loose, untaxed cigarettes. A video shot by an onlooker shows Garner telling the officers to leave him alone and refusing to be handcuffed.