Justice for Jaslyn Smith – ‘If you don’t convict at first, try again’

originally published by: MOJUK
date unknown

I’m writing on behalf of my brother Jaslyn Ricardo Smith a Category B prisoner who is currently serving a 2 Strike Automatic Life sentence at HMP Frankland. Though sentenced to a minimum term (the tariff) of 3 1/2 years he is now in his 13th year of the sentence and has always maintained his innocence. We the family also believe the conviction to be unsafe.

My brother was arrested on 8th May 1998 for the alleged rape of his then girlfriend, several hours after the police were called, his then girlfriend reported to them that she had been raped, she was then taken to hospital by the police for an examination. At the hospital her only complaint was of being beaten up no mention of rape, she was then examined by the hospital doctor for injuries, which may have been caused by the assault.

7 June 201016 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Still no justice for Mulrunji – stop black deaths in custody

originally published by: Green Left
30th May 2010

On May 18, the Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission CMC announced it would take over primary responsibility for investigating all deaths in police custody in the state.

This followed the recommendation made by deputy chief magistrate Brian Hine when he delivered his findings on May 14 to the third coronial inquest into the 2004 death of Aboriginal man Mulrunji Doomadgee in the Palm Island watch house.

On November 19, 2004, Mulrunji was walking home when sergeant Chris Hurley, driving by in his police vehicle, arrested him on a drunk and disorderly charge. He was taken to the Palm Island watch house where there was a struggle, resulting in a fall.

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22 May 201016 December 2022 4WardEverUK

United4Justice: Affected families speak out

Families & Friends United adapted from original by Harmit Athwal of IRR
22nd May 2010 (see footnote)

Families and campaigners gathered in Leicester to pay tribute to those that had died in custody.

At a meeting and event organised by the 4WardEver UK Campaign in association with the Friends of Mikey Powell Campaign for Justice, Habib Ullah Campaign and the Leicester Civil Rights Movement, there was no mistaking the serious issues being addressed.

Banners and posters of dead loved ones adorned the walls and stage, the hall was crowded with stalls of books and DVDs and information on families and organisations campaigning on deaths in custody, films were shown and family members and campaigners gave speeches. And, in a grand finale to the evening, entertainment was provided by Yaz Alexander, Lennox Carty, The Trooperz, Genesis Elijah and The Broombusters – which went down a storm.