This Is Where National Protests Against Deaths In Custody Are Happening This Weekend
Show up and be counted.
In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, days of action are being held around the country this Saturday, April 10.
The marches have been planned for some time, however, they are now also being held in protest for and solidarity with the families of the five First Nations people who have died in police custody since March 2.
The most recently death was that of a 45-year-old male inmate at Perth’s Casuarina Prison last week. Their death was the fifth in four weeks.
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This is the 5th Aboriginal person to die in this country’s criminal legal system since the start of March. The pain is never ending! No justice, no peace!!
I’ll be on the streets on April 10 for the Stop Black Deaths in Custody protest – see you there ✊🏾 https://t.co/JZm2g98iR1
— Senator Lidia Thorpe (@lidia__thorpe) April 5, 2021
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It's been 30 years, and 500 deaths in custody, since the commission laid out its recommendations -- and it’s clear that not enough has changed or been done to stop First Nations peoples from being killed in the hands of police and correctional services.
So, on April 10, national days of action are being held in the Eora (Sydney), Naarm (Melbourne), Meanjin (Brisbane), Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Bundjalung (Lismore, NSW), and Whadjuk (Perth) nations.
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Eora (Sydney)
When: Saturday, April 10 -- 1pm
Where: Sydney Town Hall
Naarm (Melbourne)
When: Saturday, April 10 -- 1pm
Where: Steps of Parliament House
Meanjin (Brisbane)
When: Saturday, April 10 -- 10am
Where: King George Square
Mparntwe (Alice Springs)
When: Saturday, April 10 -- 11am
Where: Court Lawns
Bundjalung (Lismore, NSW)
When: Saturday, April 10 -- 12pm
Where: Lismore Environment Centre
Whadjuk (Perth)
When: Thursday, April 15 -- 12pm
Where: Forrest Place
Junkee will be updating this article if more protests are planned.
Melbourne poster for the RCIADIC 30th anniversary
SATURDAY 10 APRIL 1PM
Steps of Parliament House pic.twitter.com/LvcRq5lWxJ— mouthy (@MerikiKO) March 25, 2021
To those attending: Remember to wear masks and keep social distance to protect Mob who may be immunocompromised. Please don't attend if you're feeling unwell or have been in close contact with someone who is.
National days of action are a chance for everyone to stand in solidarity and protest the ongoing unjust deaths of Blakfellas in custody. Behave safely and civilly to keep yourself and everyone safe.
Merryana Salem (she/they) is a proud Wonnarua and Lebanese–Australian writer, critic, teacher, researcher and podcaster on most social media as @akajustmerry. If you want, check out their podcast, GayV Club where they gush about LGBT rep in media. Either way, she hopes you ate something nice today.