“until there is justice, there can be no peace”

A PUBLIC LETTER OF SOLIDARITY AND SUPPORT FROM DRTP TO THE FAMILY OF IAN TOMLINSON

Dear Ian Tomlinson’s family and loved ones,

We applaud your brave, continuous fight for justice for Ian.

Some of us attended a peaceful demonstration outside Scotland Yard tonight, as a result of various people wanting to express their anger and to show your family that we too are not giving up on justice for Ian. 100 people attended within two hours notice. There were chants of, “Ian Tomlinson - never again”, “Sean Rigg - never again”, “Mark Duggan - never again”. More and more people are becoming aware of the hundreds of families who have lost loved ones as a result of police contact and the ordeal families must go through to fight for those responsible to be brought to account.

This verdict today is symptomatic of a desperately unequal legal system. The authority that police officers evidence is given above ordinary people’s accounts whether visual or spoken has created a constant uphill battle for those who need to hold the police to account for their actions. There are too many names of those who have died at the hands of police officers to name, not to mention those who have had to stand up against police evidence because they have faced politically motivated charges. But we hope you take some comfort and confidence in knowing you are not alone. Your fight for justice and to bring police to account for their actions gives confidence to us all:

“Our sincere thoughts are with the Tomlinson family in their quest for justice. Keep strong and do not give up, we are right behind you.” Sean Rigg’s Family

“The outcome of this case is a frightening license for police officers to behave as thugishly as they like while knowing that the worst that will happen is a slap on the wrist. When will we start to hold police officers who break the law truly accountable for their actions?” Jennifer Hilliard Mother of acquitted, injured student protesters & Parents for Real Justice

“I send all my support to the Tomlinson family; their battle to make the police accountable is a battle for us all”. Susan Matthews Mother of Alfie Meadows

“It appears that there must be some kind of written agreement between all the organisations involved that there will never be a police officer prosecuted for the death of a citizen. Now being fully aware of PC Harwood’s past it makes me wonder what has happened to the five officers involved in Christopher’s death.  This has been happening for a long time and we need to fight to change to this. Solidarity with the family. I know exactly how they must be feeling at this present time, but the truth is worth fighting for and I fully support them in every way.” Janet Alder sister of Christopher Alder

“The determination of the Tomlinson family to fight for justice against all the odds is an inspiration to us all. We must support them in their future struggles and we must be on the UFFC march on 27th October in solidarity with all fighting for justice and against police brutality.” Alfie Meadows

We stand by you unequivocally as you continue this fight for justice.

Until there has been justice there can be no peace.

Yours in Support,

Defend the Right to Protest Campaign