Read on Twitter
I want to bring it back to #BlackLivesMatterAustralia and share some of the stories/voices of the families that I'm working closely with.
There's 438 black deaths since 1991. There are so many stories you should know. #SayTheirNames
There's 438 black deaths since 1991. There are so many stories you should know. #SayTheirNames
Blak deaths in custody continue at horrific rates - despite 29 years ago a Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths In Custody which set out a roadmap of why and how to prevent blak deaths. The 339 recommendations have been ignored. Read them here. http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/IndigLRes/rciadic/national/vol5/5.html
Blak deaths in custody continue for many reasons but largely the systemic, structural & direct racism in the justice & coronial systems, lack of accountability & because we are mass incarcerated in the first place. Our mob are 28% of prisons but only 2% of the population.
This analysis from @GuardianAus #DeathsInside project is telling. Our people's health concerns are not taken seriously. Racism is a strong element to this. That is why #COVID19Vic prisons is so scary right now.
Many mob in custody die from not getting the medical care they need
Many mob in custody die from not getting the medical care they need
Aunty Tanya Day, 55 yo Yorta Yorta woman, fell asleep on the train to Melbourne in 2017, was arrested & sustained fatal head injuries in police custody
Listen to her daughter @LouiseApryl #JusticeForTanyaDay (at 2:38)
#BlackLivesMatterAustralia
Listen to her daughter @LouiseApryl #JusticeForTanyaDay (at 2:38)
#BlackLivesMatterAustralia
Tanya Day should be with her family today. At the time she was arrested, Aboriginal women were 11 times more likely to be arrested for the offence of public drunkenness. It was a #RCIADIC recommendation to abolish the offence.
#BlackLivesMatterAustralia
#BlackLivesMatterAustralia
#JusticeforTanyaDay was the first time ever that systemic racism has been included in the scope of a blak death in custody inquest.
Read this eloquent explainer by sis @AJ_Whittaker
#BlackLivesMatterAustralia https://theconversation.com/aboriginal-woman-tanya-day-died-in-custody-now-an-inquest-is-investigating-if-systemic-racism-played-a-role-122471
Read this eloquent explainer by sis @AJ_Whittaker
#BlackLivesMatterAustralia https://theconversation.com/aboriginal-woman-tanya-day-died-in-custody-now-an-inquest-is-investigating-if-systemic-racism-played-a-role-122471
The 6 week inquest was gruelling. I attended a lot of it. There was a beautiful photo montage of #JusticeforTanyaDay on a wall. There were smoking ceremonies and sit ins out the front of court. Each day there were many family supporters wearing pink ribbons & shirts.
Here is some footage I took of the sit in out the front of #JusticeforTanyaDay coronial inquest which shows the deadly community support for the family 
@LouiseApryl
@LouiseApryl
"Itâs a cruel irony of this case that when Tanya Day was 19 yo, her uncle, Harrison Day, was arrested & died in police custody at Echuca police station. He was arrested over an unpaid fine for public drunkenness. The fine was just $10." @MadelineHayman https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/indigenous-affairs/2019/09/14/inquest-tanya-days-death-custody/15683832008782?cb=1595401813
It's horrific and goes to the systemic nature of blak deaths in custody that Aunty Tanya Day would be at many #StopBlackDeathsinCustody #BlackLivesMatterAustralia protests but then herself die in police custody. How many more of our mob will that happen to? #JusticeforTanyaDay
Tanya Day hit her head 5 times in police custody. The coroner found that the police checks on her - the same night of their Christmas party - were inadequate & not meet standards. Physical checks were "illusory".
CONTENT WARNING: Distressing footage https://www.theguardian.com/global/video/2019/sep/06/cctv-shows-tanya-day-falling-multiple-times-in-police-cell-video?CMP=share_btn_tw
CONTENT WARNING: Distressing footage https://www.theguardian.com/global/video/2019/sep/06/cctv-shows-tanya-day-falling-multiple-times-in-police-cell-video?CMP=share_btn_tw
The Coroner found that the train conductor's decision to remove her from the train was influenced by her Aboriginality and the conductor's unconscious bias. Tanya Day was the first sleeping person to ever be removed by that train conductor.
#JusticeforTanyaDay
#JusticeforTanyaDay
On the same night Tanya Day was arrested, police officers attended a non-Indigenous woman who was intoxicated. Instead of arrest, the police drove her home.
On the other hand, Tanya Day was fined, arrested, no alternatives canvassed, and died.
#JusticeforTanyaDay @LouiseApryl
On the other hand, Tanya Day was fined, arrested, no alternatives canvassed, and died.
#JusticeforTanyaDay @LouiseApryl
Because of #JusticeforTanyaDay's family's advocacy, and their supporters, the Victorian Government committed to abolish the offence of public drunkenness. This is a huge win for the family. The Bill is yet to be introduced.
#BlackLivesMatterAustralia https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-22/victoria-to-decriminalise-public-drunkenness-tanya-day-inquest/11438836
#BlackLivesMatterAustralia https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-22/victoria-to-decriminalise-public-drunkenness-tanya-day-inquest/11438836
The Coroner found on "the totality of the evidence supported a belief that an indictable offence may have been committed" and referred the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The family wants to see justice
#JusticeForTanyaDay #BlackLivesMatterAustralia @LouiseApryl
The family wants to see justice
#JusticeForTanyaDay #BlackLivesMatterAustralia @LouiseApryl
The Coroner also found that #JusticeforTanyaDay's death was preventable https://twitter.com/callapilla/status/1248081943079473152?s=20
#JusticeforTanyaDay
On the last day of the hearing, Aunty Tanya Day's family gave evidence https://twitter.com/crystalam/status/1172389585017397249?s=20
On the last day of the hearing, Aunty Tanya Day's family gave evidence https://twitter.com/crystalam/status/1172389585017397249?s=20
"As long as Aboriginal people are targeted by police, are locked up and mistreated, and continue to die in police custody, the fight for true and complete justice for our people will be ongoing"
@LouiseApryl #JusticeforTanyaDay #BlackLivesMatterAustralia https://www.hrlc.org.au/news/2020/4/9/family-of-tanya-day-statement
@LouiseApryl #JusticeforTanyaDay #BlackLivesMatterAustralia https://www.hrlc.org.au/news/2020/4/9/family-of-tanya-day-statement
To keep up with their fight for justice, follow #JusticeForTanyaDay on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Justicefortanyaday
Follow @LouiseApryl too
Follow @LouiseApryl too
Deaths in custody coronial inquests are long, retraumatising & often delayed.
#DeathsInside found families are waiting up to 3 years for coronial inquest findings in some states, with the longest average periods in South Australia and Western Australia https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/aug/28/the-147-dead-indigenous-leaders-demand-action-over-unacceptable-deaths-in-custody
#DeathsInside found families are waiting up to 3 years for coronial inquest findings in some states, with the longest average periods in South Australia and Western Australia https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/aug/28/the-147-dead-indigenous-leaders-demand-action-over-unacceptable-deaths-in-custody
Can you imagine your loved one dying in custody & having to wait THREE YEARS to get answers? And then having even more questions, & having to fight for the Coroner's recommendations to be implemented? What an emotional toll with no guarantee of justice
#BlackLivesMatterAustralia
#BlackLivesMatterAustralia
Most Australians probably have heard of #GeorgeFloyd right now, who in his final horrific minutes said repeatedly #ICantBreathe, but you will likely not have heard of the next two blak deaths in custody I want to yarn about, who also could not breathe.
#BlackLivesMatterAustralia
#BlackLivesMatterAustralia
In 2016, Wayne Fella Morrison was in custody on remand. Due to overcrowding, he was moved to Yalata Prison. CCTV footage shows him pinned to the ground by up to 12 guards, put in a spit hood, carried face down into a van.
#JusticeforFella
CONTENT WARNING
#JusticeforFella
CONTENT WARNING
That footage is absolutely heartbreaking to watch. Up to 16 officers surround Fella at points. It appears that some officers are climbing on top of him. It's extremely distressing to see how he was treated.
#JusticeForFella
#JusticeForFella
8 prison staff were in the van with him. The journey was less than 3 minutes. There's no CCTV footage of what happened, but Fella came out of the van "blue and unresponsive". The guards have been refusing to give evidence.
#JusticeforFella @latoya_aroha https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/aug/27/indigenous-prisoner-restrained-by-14-officers-before-death-in-custody-footage-shows#
#JusticeforFella @latoya_aroha https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/aug/27/indigenous-prisoner-restrained-by-14-officers-before-death-in-custody-footage-shows#
"CCTV video shows guards removing Mr Morrison from the van by dragging him out by the legs & laying him on the floor. It took 2.5 minutes before anyone began CPR. He died in hospital three days later."
#JusticeforFella #BlackLivesMatterAustralia https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/feature/three-missing-minutes-and-more-questions-why-did-wayne-fella-morrison-die-custody-1
#JusticeforFella #BlackLivesMatterAustralia https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/feature/three-missing-minutes-and-more-questions-why-did-wayne-fella-morrison-die-custody-1
There were 48 guards involved.
âIt was distressing to witness the footage today of the final moments of my brotherâs time on remand and to count the number of correctional officers involved in his restraint and in the transport van" @latoya_aroha, #JusticeforFella's sibling
âIt was distressing to witness the footage today of the final moments of my brotherâs time on remand and to count the number of correctional officers involved in his restraint and in the transport van" @latoya_aroha, #JusticeforFella's sibling
There have been many delays. In 2018, the guards challenged giving evidence, on the basis that it could expose themselves to criminal charges. The deputy coroner rejected those arguments, however this was appealed to the Supreme Court.
#JusticeforFella https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/seven-prison-guards-argue-against-giving-evidence-in-death-of-wayne-morrison-because-they-could-incriminate-themselves/news-story/e1afbd05be6cb4e43c4a356f4d5263b3
#JusticeforFella https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/seven-prison-guards-argue-against-giving-evidence-in-death-of-wayne-morrison-because-they-could-incriminate-themselves/news-story/e1afbd05be6cb4e43c4a356f4d5263b3
18 guards + nurse involved then tried to remove the Deputy Coroner from the inquest, accusing her of bias. This was rejected by Supreme Court.
However, the court said that guards could refuse to answer questions for self-incrimination.
#JusticeforFella https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-22/deputy-coroner-to-remain-on-wayne-fella-morrison-inquest/12172176
However, the court said that guards could refuse to answer questions for self-incrimination.
#JusticeforFella https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-22/deputy-coroner-to-remain-on-wayne-fella-morrison-inquest/12172176
In 2019, @latoya_aroha wrote about 400 deaths & no convictions, and #JusticeforFella:
"I worry that Aboriginal deaths in custody have continued as common practice and in fact, normalised in prisons and police systems... Who is accountable for our deaths?" https://indigenousx.com.au/who-is-accountable-for-our-deaths/
"I worry that Aboriginal deaths in custody have continued as common practice and in fact, normalised in prisons and police systems... Who is accountable for our deaths?" https://indigenousx.com.au/who-is-accountable-for-our-deaths/
Wayne was 29 years old, a proud Wiradjuri and Kokatha man.
He "liked to take his young daughter fishing at St Kilda beach. He was also a phenomenal artist, and he'd never had any trouble with the law."
#JusticeforFella #BlackLivesMatterAustralia https://www.vice.com/en_au/article/aejvvb/latoya-aroha-rules-brother-died-in-police-custody-heres-what-she-did-next
He "liked to take his young daughter fishing at St Kilda beach. He was also a phenomenal artist, and he'd never had any trouble with the law."
#JusticeforFella #BlackLivesMatterAustralia https://www.vice.com/en_au/article/aejvvb/latoya-aroha-rules-brother-died-in-police-custody-heres-what-she-did-next
"Three days later, while Wayne was lying in intensive care on life support, @latoya_aroha's family said their goodbyes. Technically he was still on remand, so officers watched on outside his room."
This part gets me every time. The indignity of this horror for his family.
This part gets me every time. The indignity of this horror for his family.
@latoya_aroha cites a call for Minneapolis to #defundpolice & invest in community development as a major boost. âI got so much hope I cried. That looks like real structural, systemic change, & thatâs a moment that Iâd love to see here"
#JusticeforFella https://time.com/5853380/george-floyd-australia-aboriginal-deaths/
#JusticeforFella https://time.com/5853380/george-floyd-australia-aboriginal-deaths/
ICYMI #JusticeforFella's case was recently featured on @4corners with an interview from @latoya_aroha
You can watch it here: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/four-corners/series/2020/video/NC2003H023S00
One change the family wants too see is an end to use of spithoods in adult prisons.
#ICantBreathe
You can watch it here: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/four-corners/series/2020/video/NC2003H023S00
One change the family wants too see is an end to use of spithoods in adult prisons.
#ICantBreathe
The next coronial hearing date for #JusticeforFella is scheduled for 3 August.
You can support the family's gofundme: https://au.gofundme.com/f/justiceforfella
Follow on facebook https://www.facebook.com/justiceforfella
Follow @latoya_aroha
#BlackLivesMatterAustralia
You can support the family's gofundme: https://au.gofundme.com/f/justiceforfella
Follow on facebook https://www.facebook.com/justiceforfella
Follow @latoya_aroha
#BlackLivesMatterAustralia
Another devastating blak death in custody, from person who couldn't breathe was Nathan Reynolds.
Nathan was a proud Gamilaraay man, loving father, only 36 years old when he had a severe asthma attack & died in custody.
#BlackLivesMatterAustralia https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/aug/25/why-does-it-take-so-long-the-desperate-wait-for-answers-after-a-death-in-custody
Nathan was a proud Gamilaraay man, loving father, only 36 years old when he had a severe asthma attack & died in custody.
#BlackLivesMatterAustralia https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/aug/25/why-does-it-take-so-long-the-desperate-wait-for-answers-after-a-death-in-custody
Nathan was known to be an asthmatic. The month before he was hospitalised for an asthma attack. His sisters Teleah and Makayla say that it took 40 minutes for medical help to arrive. They told his story to #LivingBlack (from 17:30) http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/1759057987805/living-black-aboriginal-lives-matter
There are concerning reports on the adequacy of his medical assistance
"We are angry and totally in disbelief that we have lost Nathan. We believe if Corrective Services had acted in a timely manner, Nathan would still be with us today" Taleah Reynolds https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/2018/09/18/inmates-traumatised-after-aboriginal-man-dies-nsw-jail
"We are angry and totally in disbelief that we have lost Nathan. We believe if Corrective Services had acted in a timely manner, Nathan would still be with us today" Taleah Reynolds https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/2018/09/18/inmates-traumatised-after-aboriginal-man-dies-nsw-jail
"Weâre coming up to a year since he died and we still donât know anything more. I feel like they donât have any remorse; they hide behind the system. No oneâs held accountable, thatâs the most frustrating part." - Taleah Reynolds https://theconversation.com/despite-432-indigenous-deaths-in-custody-since-1991-no-one-has-ever-been-convicted-racist-silence-and-complicity-are-to-blame-139873
Since #COVID19Aus, his family have called for the release of mob from prison.
"If prisons couldn't cope with my brother's medical emergency back then, then how... are they going to cope with a medical emergency from COVID-19?" - Makayla
#CleanOutPrisons https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-17/calls-temporary-release-of-indigenous-inmates-due-to-coronavirus/12138300
"If prisons couldn't cope with my brother's medical emergency back then, then how... are they going to cope with a medical emergency from COVID-19?" - Makayla
#CleanOutPrisons https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-17/calls-temporary-release-of-indigenous-inmates-due-to-coronavirus/12138300
Makayla Reynolds spoke to @lauramoates #FullStory about how she fears a second wave #COVID19Aus could risk more blak deaths in custody. She talked about how she loved going to her Nathan's house so much during holidays she'd cry when she had to come home. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/audio/2020/may/21/the-push-for-prisoners-to-be-released-in-case-of-second-covid-19-wave-podcast
"I want to make sure no other family has to go through what I have.... It must be a priority. The sick, old, women, kids, are the most at-risk. Governments have to act today, before it's too late." Makayla Reynolds
#CleanOutPrisons #COVID19Vic #COVID19Aus https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/2020/04/08/natsils-call-prisoners-be-released-prevent-coronavirus-related-deaths-custody
#CleanOutPrisons #COVID19Vic #COVID19Aus https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/2020/04/08/natsils-call-prisoners-be-released-prevent-coronavirus-related-deaths-custody
Nathan Reynold's family's campaign to release mob from prison is more relevant now than ever as the second wave #COVID19Aus descends, and Victoria risks a prison outbreak.
Sign their petition now! #CleanOutPrisons https://www.alsnswact.org.au/free_our_people
Sign their petition now! #CleanOutPrisons https://www.alsnswact.org.au/free_our_people
All of these families #JusticeforTanyaDay #JusticeforFella and Nathan Reynold's family are in this powerful @GetUp video
Watch & share: because #BlackLivesMatterAustralia - always have & always will.
It's not over until every family has justice. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=323620348631479
Watch & share: because #BlackLivesMatterAustralia - always have & always will.
It's not over until every family has justice. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=323620348631479
