PRESS RELEASE – 6TH JUNE – SHEKU BAYOH PUBLIC INQUIRY – STUC VIGIL TAKES PLACE OUTSIDE THE INQUIRY, AS IT EXAMINES THE ROLE OF RACE IN SHEKU’S DEATH IN CUSTODY

Statements made by Aamer Anwar- Solicitor on behalf of the Bayoh Family & Kadi Johnson sister of Sheku.

“The Sheku Bayoh family placed their faith in the Crown Office to fearlessly investigate the death in custody of Sheku. His family had the right to expect there would be a robust, transparent and impartial investigation. It’s all very well for former Lord Advocate James Wolffe KC, like other senior lawyers & investigators to plead ‘with the benefit of hindsight’,

Yet on Mr. Wolffe’s watch, his Crown Office is accused of cynically manipulating events, abusing the human rights of the Sheku’s family and obstructing their search for truth. As the critical chapter examining the role of race in Sheku’s death began this week, the Bayoh family after two years of evidence feel vindicated, they always knew the Crown and PIRC failed to investigate race, ignored evidence of racism, presented the wrong facts and then failed to prosecute.

The Bayoh family hold the Crown Office ultimately responsible for the betrayal of justice and presiding over a culture of incompetence, denial, secrecy, bias and institutional racism. The failure to investigate racism was described as a ‘missed opportunity’, but it was much more, it was deliberate, cynical and deja vue on an industrial scale.

The police painted an image of a dangerous large black man, stereotypical characteristics of extraordinary strength, describing him as the biggest male they have ever seen, bulging eyes, muscles, with false claims of wielding a machete, describing him as a zombie- this is nothing new when black men die in police custody. They are dehumanised, smeared, stereotyped in order to strip them of their right to life.

Although Sheku was unarmed, his family believe his skin colour was treated as a weapon and that his colour an excuse for his being met with overwhelming force. How many black people have to die, how many more grieving families must set up campaigns to simply get to the truth.  Nine years after the death of Sheku, and 25 years after the murder of Surjit Singh Chhokar it appears that little lessons have been learned or acted upon by an unaccountable and racist institution.

Sheku’s sister Kadi has described him as Scotland’s George Floyd. I never knew Sheku Bayoh, he wasn’t a rich or a powerful man, but he has a stubborn family, three sisters, a mother, partner Colette who have refused to be patronised, bullied, lied to or silenced. because they are not asking for anything special- Just the truth because without truth there can be no justice.”

Statement by Kadi Johnson (Sister of Sheku  Bayoh)  

“I am filled with immense gratitude and respect for the trade unions and all that have organised this powerful support for my brother Sheku Bayoh. The trade union has always been our pillar of support for my brother’s campaign and the fight for justice.

I am so happy to see so many people gathered here today, some of whom have travelled from England, various cities, town and villages of Scotland. This truly shows solidarity as we demand justice for our dear brother Sheku Bayoh. When my brother died in the hands of the police, we put our trust in the institution as we should do.

One after the other they failed us at every stage of the process. The ugly head of institutional racism and stereotyping kept raising itself last night. As we witness a Crown advocate depute made a racially and ethnical statement of my family name (BAYOH) linking a native African mandi go name to slavery and sickle cell; stating that her source of information is her general knowledge.

This lead to her actions been bias and justified in her eyes to pursue a line of action that the pathologist had advice not to take.  

Throughout this public inquiry we now know they lied and tried to cover up their dirty games. For the past two years of the inquiry, not one of them has sincerely apologised to us in a meaningful manner including yesterday hearing. For failing to investigate

The only person who whole- heartedly and sincerely apologised to us was former Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland, and his apology was welcomed by us the family. because he addressed us directly.

We need to demand change in legislation for accountability and transparency in all death in custody and more support for victim families. As a nation we need to demand all death in custody should be brought before the court of law. We need new legislations to hold people accountable and responsible to prevent and stop institutional racism.  The passion and determination you have all shown today truly inspire hope and belief in the power of coming together in unity.

The trade union has played a crucial role in making our voices hard and this is the beauty of the trade union. I want to express my sincere thanks to each and every one of you for your tireless efforts and commitment to the fight for justice. Your actions have made a significant impact in raising awareness and mobilising support for the Sheku Bayoh campaign.

Let us continue to stand united in our pursuit for justice, and let the strength of our collective voices be heard loud and clear. Together, we can bring about the change that is desperately needed to ensure accountability and justice for Sheku Bayoh and all those who have been victims of police brutality and systemic racism.

Once again on behalf of my family, Sheku’s mother, Sheku’s sons, my sisters and his friends, may I take this opportunity to thank the trade unions, and all of you who have travelled from afar for your kind support and solidarity? Together we will march forward with courage and determination, knowing that justice will prevail”