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

October 2, 2001

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHERE IS JUSTICE?


The Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council Chiefs are shocked to hear the
rationale that Police Complaint Commissioner Don Morrison cites in his
decision not to hold a Public Inquiry.

Mr. Morrison states that “There was no arguable flaw in the police
investigation, and the force used by the police was not excessive. All
witnesses have already given evidence under
oath…”

The Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council Chiefs point out that eight
witnesses had seen Anthany punched by the police and the police deny
punching Anthany. This to us, is an arguable flaw.

Sgt Farrell of the RCMP claimed to have carried out an independent
investigation of the Victoria City Police and the circumstances surrounding
Anthany’s death. In his report Sgt.
Farrell states that he conducted a thorough investigation and there was no
wrong doing by the Victoria Police.

The Jurors at Anthany’s Inquest were later told that each policeman
involved refused to be interviewed by Sgt.Farrell.

How can you conduct a thorough investigation while being denied
the right to interview the police that were directly involved? This to us,
is an arguable flaw.

It is a sad day for Natives to hear once again, the motherhood statements
that are constantly issued: That there is no wrongdoing, excessive force,
or racism within their police force. Police workers are human and some
humans have strong racist theories.

To deny this is to suppress the opportunity of addressing and repairing
this serious flaw.

The media advisory states that the Victoria Police Department has agreed to
give a complete briefing on their results with the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk
Tribal Council, but they have not contacted the tribal council. Is this
good faith?

Again, we must ask for our questions to be answered …
Why Did Anthany Die?

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For more Information Contact
Chief Willie Moon
Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council
Tel: 250-974-5516
Fax: 250-974-5466

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



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