3 August 201116 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Fatal Fullerton police beating of homeless man sparks outcry

originally by: Los Angeles Times
published: 2nd August 2011

An arrest that ended in the death of a mentally ill homeless man in Fullerton has many residents outraged and city officials looking for answers. At about 8:30 p.m. on the night of July 5, Fullerton police officers responded to reports that a man was trying to get into cars parked near a bus depot.

The suspect was described as a homeless man with long hair and no shirt carrying a backpack, police said. When officers arrived at the scene, they found 37-year-old Kelly Thomas, a schizophrenic homeless man who had become a fixture in downtown Fullerton and surrounding cities.

What happened next has Thomas’ family, acquaintances and much of the city outraged. Police said Thomas tried to run after officers searched his backpack and found items that weren’t his.

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.

28 May 201116 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Hundreds mourn Cherry Groce at funeral

all credits: Voice Online
originally published: 24th May 2011

Brixton stood still today (May 24) for the funeral of Cherry Groce, the innocent victim of a police shooting 26 years ago. Hundreds of mourners and well-wishers marched to The Brixton Seven Day Adventist Church on Santley Street, in south London, to the sounds of a New Orleans jazz band playing hymns. For many, the strong turnout was a testament to the undeniably strong influence Cherry Groce had on the community.

“There’s been a massive outpouring of love and affection for a woman that’s been an icon in the black community,” said race equality campaigner Lee Jasper. “People have turned out in their hundreds.”