by Sue White
NATIONWIDE calls for justice for Mohamud Hassan, the Cardiff man who died hours after being released from police custody, are being led by Barry civil rights lawyer Hilary Brown.
Miss Brown is co-chair of Stand Up to Racism Vale and its members are backing her in her fight to establish the truth of what happened to Mr Hassan, who was arrested after a disturbance on Friday. The 24-year-old, of Somali heritage, was held in police custody overnight but died within hours after being released without charge.
Mr Hassan’s family say that he had no injuries before being taken into police custody but he had wounds and bruises on his release.
The case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. One post-mortem examination has been carried out and a second one by an independent forensic pathologist has been ordered..
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has described Mr Hassan’s sudden and unexplained death “deeply concerning.”
Miss Brown said: “The family of Mahamud Hassan have many questions that need to be answered relating to circumstances that led to the death of this young, healthy 24 year old man.
“The pursuit of the truth as to what happened to Mahamud during his arrest and detention at Cardiff Bay Police Station on January 8 and the sequence of events up to his arrival back at his home address on January 9 are the main focus of our enquiries at this time.”
The lawyer added that family of Mahamud were eternally grateful for the support and messages of condolences they have received. “They ask that you continue to stand with them in solidarity during these difficult times.”
A 300 strong peaceful protest on Tuesday is planned to be followed up with daily demonstrations of people calling for justice for Mahamud.
ENDS
EDITORS NOTES::
🖤Stand Up To Racism (SUTR), are a voluntary group, open to all who support their aims and values.
🖤SUTR Vale can be contacted on facebook at Stand Up To Racism Vale, or by email at sutrvaleofglamorgan@gmail.com.
🖤More information, background, and pictures are available here.
BLM (Cardiff) have set up a Link Tree for the Mahamud Hassan Campaign – this includes Mahamud Hassan Fundraiser, Justice4Mahamud Petition, Body Cam Footage Police Petition, and a Welsh Media Report, all in one place: https://linktr.ee/blmcardiff
Sue Vincent-Jones, writing as Mrs SVJ, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and communications specialist. She blogs about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.
As a founding member of Stand Up To Racism (Vale) she, promotes the Black-led Campaign Group who, with the strong support of Allies, aim to unite our communities. And also acts as Communications Advisor for the voluntary collective.
Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.