Hundreds rally against deaths in Police Custody
Fifteen hundred people including Reggae artist Maxi Priest held a peaceful rally in Central London today and called for a public inquiry following the death of Reggae artist David Emmanuel (Smiley Culture) who died during an incident involving the police at his home in March 2011.
Protestors who marched from Wandsworth to New Scotland Yard were joined by families representing relatives who have died whilst being held in police custody.
“I pray for the best but fear for the worst, I’m really not sure at this point how the community will react if there is another death in police custody.” said Nadine from Tottenham.
“Although I didn’t know David Emmanuel personally I was compelled to offer my services today and support his family to establish the truth behind his premature death.” said Jeannette a solicitor from Enfield.
Following a police raid on his home, Smiley Culture died of a single stab wound to the heart. The inquest claimed the injury was self-inflicted however family and friends have disputed this claim and have called for a public inquiry.
Speaking at the rally, Smiley’s nephew Merlin Emmanuel said: “…Scotland Yard listen, although you enforce the law you are not above it.”
The funeral of David Emmanuel (Smiley Culture) is reported to have taken place on Friday 15th April 2011.
I am a 29 yesr old black female born in the borough of lewisham south east london. Throughout my life I have witnessed the brutality of the police towards my people in london and throughout the UK. I am devasted @ the way in which the police abuse black people and have no answers to give the families and communities of the men/women killed. The police clearly need to change their approach, there will be a uprising very soon. Not sure if the police will be able to get away with their actions for much longer.
It is ridiculous they could have spun a better lie.. I must say that it is unusual to have murdered the man like that seeing as he is up in court the following day…I guess he must have known too much likehow the cops are the main dealers in drugs or sumting…