Police Corruption, Redfern: Rest In Peace TJ

Rest In Peace TJ

http://sydney.indymedia.org/node/35169

On the 2nd anniversary of the death of TJ Hickey, justice has still been denied. The Redfern community is standing strong though, determined not to be silenced, not to be screwed over by the system yet again.

People gathered together today to remember TJ, and to protest against the system that murdered him. It was a successful day. It started with a solemn remembrance of TJ, then a rally and march to Surry Hills police station. A loud and passionate confrontation with the police took place. The event unfortunately ended with police harassment before the community returned to the Block for a barbecue

250 people gathered in the park at Redfern where TJ died for speeches, to lay flowers and remember TJ. All were respectful during the two minutes silence.

Ray Jackson and others who spoke told of the corruption in the police and the courts that has prevented those responsible for TJ's death to be brought to justice.

Exemptions, exoneration, and denial of evidence. TJ's mum spoke of the continued police harassment she has suffered and a Redfern resident spoke of witnessing the ongoing police harassment of young kids in the streets.

It was exposed that many witnesses have not been game to come forward due to fear of police harassment also, something which many witnesses so far have suffered.

The streets were then taken back as everyone marched to the Surry Hills police station. Loud chants could be heard by all onlookers:

"What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? NOW!"

"Too many coppers, not enough justice."

"Justice for TJ. Reopen the Inquest"

"Hollingsworth is a murderer!"

Upon arrival at the police station we were greeted by about 100 police, scattered all around the place. Even the blue overalled TRG squad was present. Ray Jackson pointed out that he was told it would be a low key police presence.

A father brought his 10 year old son before the crowd and the cops. He was furious with the cops because they had threatened to lock his son up. Others told of police mistreatment of their children while detained in police custody.

After much chanting and venting of frustrations at the police, everyone turned their backs, then made their way home.

As people made their way back home a squad of about 15 police followed. The protest was over, it had rem! ained peaceful, but the cops decided they needed to harass. They marched along on the road making sure people didn't step out. Once the crowd started to dissolve a group was followed by about 7 police into central station. A young man was apprehended, questioned and body searched before being released without charge. It fully showed why people were protesting. It's amazing the police could not have any respect on this day of remembrance.

Rest In Peace TJ

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