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
Tens of thousands gather to remember Jason Arday at London vigil
Stand Up to Racism — It took place in Trafalgar Square, with speakers paying tribute to the former Cambridge professor’s life and achievements, while calling for accountability over the reporting he faced from the mainstream press.
Written by: Ella Glossop
Lost photos from the heyday of punk and new wave
Crash Bang — DB Burkeman’s latest photobook unearths photographs from his younger years as an aspiring music photographer, which sat undeveloped in his family home for decades.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Count Binface: “Nigel, who said he didn’t want to be humiliated, maybe has been”
“I’m just getting started” — The novelty political candidate, created by Jonathan David Harvey, came second in the Clacton by-election after winning 9,455 votes and more than a quarter of the votes.
Written by: Ella Glossop
Gold-tinged togetherness as Londoners flock to Primrose Hill for the solar eclipse
Celestial gathering — Ella Glossop photographs the once in decades event from one the city’s most popular gathering spots, and the community spirit that encapsulated the moment.
Written by: Ella Glossop
The global skateboarding crew reshaping Muslim sisterhood
Skater Uktis — Founded in London in 2020, the crew has ballooned across the world, with meetups and members in Pakistan, Palestine and beyond. Zahra Onsori tracks its rise and the powerful community it has created.
Written by: Zahra Onsori
Massive Attack condemn authoritarianism after Singapore ban for displaying Palestine flag
‘Impromptu expression’ — In a statement released on Sunday, the band drew parallels to policing in the UK after being detained and banned from the country for raising the flag onstage at a concert.
Written by: Ella Glossop
