Stand Up to Racism (Vale) are supporting a number of Welsh campaigns, joining with the organisers to ask for your help in raising awareness, signing petitions, protesting peacefully, and raising crucial funds.
Please help us to help those let down by our ofteen unfair and unjust societal systems and structures.
Penally Welcome Packs
Asylum seekers leaving the “inhumane” conditions at the Penally ex-military camp in West Wales are being given welcome packs by Stand Up to Racism-Vale. The first five packs have already been issued and there will be growing need as a steady stream of men leave the camp.
The packs have been welcomed by the asylum seekers from Penally who have next to nothing. Each welcome pack contains a hat, socks, gloves, scarf/bandana, towels, deodorant, razors, shave gel, soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste.It would be amazing if people could donate any of the above — apart from deodorant and soap (we have plenty of these for the moment) — for people in real need.
A donation of a single item will be really welcomed There is also a need for good condition clothing and footwear.
Please message us here for more information and details of the drop off point.
#Justice4MohamudHassan
Mohamud Hassan, 24, was arrested in his Cardiff home on Friday 8th January under the most violent of circumstances. Twenty South Wales police officers removed all occupants from the residence leaving Mohamud alone.
We are attempting to raise money for funeral arrangements and legal fees. A case has been opened however to ensure justice we are also looking into opening a private case of our own.
Support the Justice for Mohamed Campaign here.
BLM (Cardiff) have set up a Link Tree for the Mohamud Hassan Campaign.
This includes Mohamud Hassan Fundraiser, Justice4Mahamud Petition, Lee Jasper Blog, Body Cam Footage Police Petition, and a Welsh Media Report, all in one place.
See the Justice for Mohamud link tree here.
#Justice4MouayedBashir
On 17 February 2021, Mouayed Bashir, a 29-year old Sudanese man died after being forcibly restrained by Gwent Police at his home in Newport, South Wales.
Police arrived at Mouayed’s home after his parents called 999 when he began to experience a mental health crisis. Several vehicles and a large number of police officers attended the property.
Although not under arrest, he was placed in handcuffs and leg restraints, and subsequently died.
The family want to find out how he died, and why Gwent Police behaved like this. Then they will take action.
Support the Justice for Mouayed Campaign here.
#Justice4ChristopherKapessa
Christopher’s body was found in the River Cynon, on 1 July 2019, after he and others were out by the river. An initial investigation by SWP concluded that Christopher’s death was as a result of a ‘tragic accident’.
After concerns were raised, the force’s major crime investigation team was brought in. On 19 February 2020, the CPS wrote to the family stating that there was sufficient evidence to support a charge of manslaughter but that a prosecution was not in the public interest.
The family wants the CPS decision reviewed but needs £10,000 for legal fees to get started, and more later to proceed.
Thank you for your support & donations to assist the family of Christopher get justice.
Support the Justice for Christopher Kapessa Campaign here.
#FreeSiyanda
On 25 May 2019, what started as a joyous bank holiday for Siyanda ended as a nightmare and changed her life forever. Without any provocation, Siyanda was racially abused and physically assaulted by adults much older than her.
Siyanda and her family expected the police to investigate the incident thoroughly but what they experienced was a litany of failures. To their horror Siyanda who has disabilities, was arrested and then charged with GBH, and she was convicted and sentenced to four and half years on 13 March 2020.
An appeal was dismissed by a single Judge. An onward right of appeal to the Court of Appeal has now been lodged and representation has been secured by Siyanda’s new legal defence team Virgo Consultancy Services Ltd who have retained Michael Mansfield QC to advocate on behalf of Siyanda at her appeal.
The national campaign ‘Free Siyanda‘, was launched to right the wrong and ensure that justice prevails in this case.
Support the Free Siyanda Campaign here.
Thank you to all who have donated, shared, and supported.
Speak soon
Mrs SVJ
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) Sue 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.