10th UFFC march in London

2008 marks the tenth year that the bereaved relatives of those who have died at the hands of the state have taken to the streets. This year the Police kept a low profile and mostly a respectful distance from the families. The optimist could say that they have learned their lesson and decided to do things differently after their actions on the 2007 parade see:

?http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/11/384896.html

Meanwhile the cynic might suggest that they knew damn well that there would be a lot more media interest this year. Due to the de Menezes enquirey, and the presence of Jean Charles' family on the demo. And were therefore told to be on their best behaviour? There was certainly three times more journalists present than last time. Take your pick.

Below are some pictures of the day:

The march left slowly and silently from Nelsons Column and arrived at Downing street where some family members laid flowers at the gates and attached pictures of their loved ones to the security fence. Meanwhile the rest of the demonstration exploded in to anger at the government, police and prison system.

A noisy march to Parliament square followed where relatives spoke about their experiences. As always there were new faces on the demonstration. Friends and family of Sean Rigg who died in Brixton Police station in August were represented. Also the family of Habib Bullah who died while being 'restrained' by police officers in July.

Samantha Patterson gave a harrowing account of seeing the cctv footage of her brother Jason dying in the custody suite of Nottinghill police station. Nearly two years on the pathologists have yet to report their findings so no cause of death has been given. All the families are furious at the sheer length of time that these investigations take. None have any confidence in government bodies like IPCC.

Over the course of the day there were many fitting tributes and kinds words said for Pauline Campbell who passed away earlier this year. See:

?http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/05/398887.html

Pauline who always spoke at this rally was sadly missed by all who had attended this event in previous years. She was always ready to tell it like it is, as well as comforting those overcome by the emotions of the day.




UFFC 2005:

?http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/10/326759.html

UFFC 2006

?http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2006/10/354590.html

UFFC 2007

?http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/11/384896.html