NAACP invokes Troy Davis legacy in anti-death penalty drive
originally by: Blackstarnews.com
published: 23rd Jamuary 2012
Motivated by the tragic execution of Troy Davis in Georgia last September, the NAACP has renewed its fight to make the death penalty a part of America’s past. Over the next year, NAACP state representatives in several key states will urge their legislators to take the necessary steps to repeal the ultimate punishment.
“People in this country care about justice and fairness,” says Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO of the National NAACP. “Unfortunately, Troy Davis’s case and too many other cases in our country demonstrate that these elements are sorely lacking in the application of capital punishment in this nation. African Americans and the poor are disproportionately handed this extreme punishment for the same offenses as their wealthier or White counterparts.”
Boy found unconscious at HM Prison Cookham Wood dies
originally by: BBC News
published: 26th January 2012
A 15-year-old boy has died after being found unconscious in his cell at a young offenders institution in Kent. The Prison Service said Alex Kelly had been identified as being at risk of suicide or self-harm, but did not give details of the boy’s condition when he was found. Kelly was taken to hospital from HMP Cookham Wood, near Rochester, but he later died, a spokeswoman said.
He had been serving a 10-month sentence for burglary and theft from a vehicle. The teenager was found in his cell at about 20:30 GMT on Tuesday.
Staff tried to resuscitate him and paramedics attended before he was taken to hospital, but he was pronounced dead at 19:30 GMT on Wednesday.
Lynette White police corruption trial: Documents found as DPP orders review
originally by: BBC News
published: 27th January 2012
Documents have been found after they were thought to have been destroyed, which had led to the collapse of the UK’s biggest police corruption trial. The announcement came as it emerged that a review has been ordered into the end of the trial of eight officers, who were all cleared in December.
They were involved in the original investigation of the 1988 murder of Cardiff prostitute Lynette White. The review has been ordered by Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer.
The officers were acquitted of perverting the course of justice. A judge at Swansea Crown Court ruled that they could not get a fair trial because evidence was believed lost. But it has now been announced that the information has been found.
Her Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) will review the case which had cost up to an estimated £30m.
Event Reminder : Deaths in Custody – A Case to Answer
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism invites you to the launch of its six-month investigation into deaths in police custody.
Tuesday, 31st January 2012
6.30pm for 7pm, With a talk scheduled to start at 7.30pm
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Venue: FOTO8 GALLERY, 1-5 Honduras Street, London EC1Y 0TH
This event is endorsed by 4WardEver UK
The Bureau’s investigation will air also at 8pm on BBC Radio 4’s flagship investigations programme, File on 4.
To mark the broadcast, the Bureau is holding an exhibition of images of those whose loved ones have died following contact with the police.
