Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

Dawson Family Reacts to Ruling of No Inquiry
October 2, 2001

MEDIA ADVISORY

Justice Denied

Anthany Dawson’s family have been denied the right to have their questions
answered.

Don Morrison, Police Complaint Commissioner issued his decision in a letter
dated October 1, 2001.

“We had actually believed that the system would show some integrity and
address the issue of police violence and racism at a public level such as a
Public Inquiry announced Yvon Gesinghaus, spokesperson for Anthany’s family.

“When eight witnesses inform the inquest jurors that they seen
Anthany punched, and Constable Sheldon denies this….the average Canadian
would expect this issue to be taken more seriously.”

Yvon went on to say,“When witnesses testify that this is what happened and
the policeman denies this, you have to know that something is dreadfully
wrong.

At the inquest we were told that a public inquiry would address our
questions. Today, we have been denied the opportunity to have that public
inquiry and now our questions will not be answered. It is truly a sad day
for people of color and all minorities.”

It is heartwrenching to realize that the supposed justice system will once
again issue their standard statement of no racism in their line of work and
again, sweep the whole issue “under the carpet”.

This issue of racism and excessive police violence must be recognized and
addressed before more people are exposed to this type of treatment.”

“Anthany’s family will not slip away into oblivion, we will ensure that our
questions are answered and that employees of an organization do not have
the right to use excessive force simply because of their uniform.” stated
Yvon.

As the Police Complaint Commissioner, in his attempt to save face with the
police, has saw fit to deny a Public Inquiry, the family of Anthany Dawson
have no choice but to file a civil suit.

- 30 –

For more information contact:
Yvon Gesinghaus
Tel: 250-974-5516
Tel: 250-956-2456

For more information on the Anthany Dawson Story see
http://www.turtleisland.org/news/news-anthany4.htm




Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

Canada's best online source for Aboriginal news and information. 500,000
hits a month . . . and growing!