A year ago today in the UK a man called Mark Duggan was shot and killed by police officers. His death sparked a set of protests which escalated into the August 2011 UK riots. Mayhem ensued which ultimately had little to do with Mark's death.
Instead the riots became nothing more than an opportunity for some people to steal, destroy and go on the rampage. Established businesses were lost in a short space of time and many people lost out. In the chaos that followed Mark's death was buried, or so it appeared.
Today, August 5, 2012 his family are preparing to remember Mark as they attend a "service of hope" which will be held in Tottenham.
Pam Duggan, Mark's Mother, has made renewed appeals for justice for Mark. He was shot when officers claimed he was carrying a weapon but in the end no weapon was ever found. Near to the scene a weapon was said to have been discovered. The car in which he was traveling was surrounded by 31 police officers and Mark was shot twice.
An inquest is due to be held in January 2013. There are reports that this may not be a fully "open" inquest as some police evdence will reportedly have to be heard in secret. Whilst there may be valid reasons for that it will make many people view the whole thing as a cover up. If there are valid reasons for such a secretive hearing they should be given.
Mark's family have obviously had a dreadful year. Mark was a father of four young children. Mark's father died a few weeks ago still yearning for justice for his son and some much needed answers. According to the Independent, "Mr Duggan died when officers blocked the grey people carrier in Tottenham, north London, on August 4 last year as part of a pre-planned operation, and shot him in the chest."
London Mayor Boris Johnson has joined in calls for a dignifed commemoration today. The commemoration is to be held at Tottenahm, Town Hall, London.
Opinion: It is way past the time for answers. The Courts quickly dealt with last years rioters, rightly so. The same should have happened in delivering justice for Mark. RIP.
Instead the riots became nothing more than an opportunity for some people to steal, destroy and go on the rampage. Established businesses were lost in a short space of time and many people lost out. In the chaos that followed Mark's death was buried, or so it appeared.
Today, August 5, 2012 his family are preparing to remember Mark as they attend a "service of hope" which will be held in Tottenham.
Pam Duggan, Mark's Mother, has made renewed appeals for justice for Mark. He was shot when officers claimed he was carrying a weapon but in the end no weapon was ever found. Near to the scene a weapon was said to have been discovered. The car in which he was traveling was surrounded by 31 police officers and Mark was shot twice.
An inquest is due to be held in January 2013. There are reports that this may not be a fully "open" inquest as some police evdence will reportedly have to be heard in secret. Whilst there may be valid reasons for that it will make many people view the whole thing as a cover up. If there are valid reasons for such a secretive hearing they should be given.
Mark's family have obviously had a dreadful year. Mark was a father of four young children. Mark's father died a few weeks ago still yearning for justice for his son and some much needed answers. According to the Independent, "Mr Duggan died when officers blocked the grey people carrier in Tottenham, north London, on August 4 last year as part of a pre-planned operation, and shot him in the chest."
London Mayor Boris Johnson has joined in calls for a dignifed commemoration today. The commemoration is to be held at Tottenahm, Town Hall, London.
Opinion: It is way past the time for answers. The Courts quickly dealt with last years rioters, rightly so. The same should have happened in delivering justice for Mark. RIP.
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