CONTENT WARNING: Indigenous death in custody, racism, police violence
The coronial inquest into the death of Bailey Mackander, a 20-year old Wiradjuri man, commenced this Wednesday with NSW Deputy Coroner Elaine Truscott overseeing the inquest. Today, a number of community activist groups gathered at the NSW State Coroners Court to support Mr Mackander’s family as they seek justice for their son.
Mr Mackander was on remand at the Kariong Correctional Centre for drug and driving offences, when concerns for his risk of self-harm and suicide arose after consulting with a psychologist three days prior to his death.
ABC News reported that “during his time on remand … Mr Mackander was ‘desperate to be released’ after being told his case would be adjourned until January 2020.”
“They took my baby away … I hurt very much every day … I am not forgetting,” Williams said.
Fisher died of his injuries after falling from the 13th floor of the Joseph Banks tower block after four officers had kicked in the unit door. The police had two outstanding warrants for him.
White, Fisher’s mother-in-law, said: “Carly White, the mother of Patrick’s children, lives in pain and trauma every day. The children are living in pain. It is so unfair the police get away with it. They need to be held accountable to what they did to Patrick.
“This family is shattered. We want a proper inquiry in to what happened; we want the truth. The coroner needs to look deeper because Patrick was a human being, a father, not a statistic.”
Gail Hickey near where her son was impaled 16 years ago. Photo: Linda Casey Kennedy
Gail Hickey, the mother of TJ Hickey, led a march through the streets of Redfern to mark 17 years since her son’s death on February 14.
TJ Hickey was killed while being pursued by police in Redfern in 2004. The young Kamilaroi man was riding his bike when a police car started to pursue him. The police car, driven by then-Constable Hollingsworth, hit TJ’s bike, catapulting him onto a nearby fence where he was impaled.
Contrary to all police protocols, officers pulled TJ from the fence, potentially worsening his injuries. The family has been fighting for justice ever since.
Green Left 30th anniversary event March 27 2021
Green Left is celebrating 30 years of people-powered media on February 18. We would like to encourage you to join us at our anniversary event on March 27 with Kavita Krishnan. (Please book now!) Below are some of the messages of support we ve received. Please share your own message of support on social media with the hashtag #GreenLeft30. And, if you like our work, become a supporter!
Adela Brent, Brisbane Reclaim the Night Collective: We are delighted to send a solidarity message to the
Green Left. 30 years! Congratulations! A socialist newspaper is an important means of communication, especially in a capitalist country where the press is monopolized by the rich. Newspapers must tell the truth and be at the service of the people. This is what