The families of those who've died in police custody are still demanding justice
- Text by Theo McInnes
- Photography by Theo McInnes
Family members of those who’ve died in police custody, or following contact with law enforcement, conducted their annual march through Central London this weekend. Hundreds of people, led by the relatives of those who’ve lost their lives, marched from Trafalgar Square to Downing Street, the home of UK Prime Minister Theresa May.
Over 1,000 people have died in police custody in England and Wales since 1990 reports INQUEST, a UK based charity that campaigns on these issues. There have been no successful convictions of officers in Britain for the deaths.
Organised by the United Families and Friends Campaign, it was an emotional march, made all the more uncomfortable when the precession arrived at the gates to the PM’s residence. The plan was to hand in a petition to the door of Downing Street, but police officers demanded that those poised to hand in the paperwork remove the t-shirts each were wearing that depicted their lost loved ones.
The line was this was orders from Downing Street officials, not the police themselves, but either way tensions were heightened. As speeches were made by those still deep in mourning, supporters wielding placards stood alongside, as an animal rights march passed through the proceedings.
Leon Patterson, Roger Sylvester, Rocky Bennett, Harry Stanley, Sean Rigg, Habib ‘Paps’ Ullah, Azelle Rodney, Christopher Alder, Brian Douglas, Joy Gardner, Paul Jemmott, Ricky Bishop, Mikey Powell, Jason McPherson, Sarah Campbell, Jimmy Mubenga, Paul Coker, Mark Duggan, Sheku Bayoh, Olaseni Lewis, Thomas Orchard, James Herbert, Amy El-Keria, Kingsley Burrell, Darren Neville, Jason McDonald, Mzee Mohammed: the names of some of those now dead whose families were present.
The long battle for justice continues. This was the 19th year that this march has taken place, and sadly it looks as if they’ll need to continue.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
Vintage photos of London street life at the turn of the millennium
London 1995-2005 — In her new photobook, Joan Piekny reflects on a decade shooting the styles and subcultures of the UK capital’s streets, just before technology .
Written by: Miss Rosen
An evening with the South London Warlords
The art of war — From Warhammer to Burrows and Badgers, the small Dulwich community has been fortifying defences and launching invasions since 1971. Ryan Loftus dives into the wonderful world of wargaming.
Written by: Ryan Loftus
Princess Julia: “I always state my age as I can’t believe I’m still around”
First lady — As the latest Artist-In-Residence of Huck 83, the London nightlife legend speaks to Josh Jones and provides a few recommendations and words of wisdom.
Written by: Josh Jones
An intimate window into New York’s ’70s lesbian scene
We Others — An exhibition at The Photographer’s Gallery combines Donna Gottschalk’s unearthed photographs of LGBTQ+ activists and friends, along with Hélène Gianneccini’s written histories.
Written by: Miss Rosen
The Pope has declared holy war on AI
The New Butlerian Jihad — In his first encyclical letter, Pope Leo XIV addressed the increasing pervasiveness of artificial intelligence as a threat to the already fragile structures of society. Newsletter columnist Emma Garland makes sense of it all.
Written by: Emma Garland
A portrait of the UK’s oldest boxing club
Learning the Ropes — A new documentary by Ryan Pickard chronicles the hard-edged history of Repton Boxing Club in Bethnal Green, while asking poignant questions about the present and future of the sport in the UK.
Written by: Sydney Lobe
