Bristol-based Justice for Judah launches petition

Campaigners are calling for the police officers who tasered a 63-year-old man in Easton to be suspended without pay, pending the outcome of an independent investigation.

The Bristol-based Justice for Judah group argues the continued presence of the officers on the beat is both “insensitive and disrespectful” and launched a petition calling for them to be taken off the streets.

The petition has gained 58 signatures to date and includes words of support from a former police officer, who said: “This is sick how they treated Ras Judah. They need to review the reason why they started on Judah at first place. Justice for all.”

The group was formed after race relations campaigner and respected elder Ras Judah Adunbi was allegedly shot in the face with a taser by police while he was out walking his dog, in an apparent case of mis-identification.

Both officers have been served with notices of gross misconduct – this advises police personnel that their conduct is subject to investigation – such notices are not judgemental in any way.

The results of an Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) are likely to be released in six to nine months.

Justice for Judah was formed after the harrowing incident to fight against police violence and, what members believe to be, a racial bias of Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

Chairman of the Justice for Judah campaign Desmond Brown said: “Since that terrible day when Ras Judah was attacked by the police, I have been interviewing people from across our community about their experiences of police harassment and asking them what they would like to see happen next.

“I’ve heard time and time again that people want the officers involved to be suspended without pay until the IPCC investigation is completed. We demand justice. We won’t stop until the police wake up and make some serious changes.”

He is encouraging people across the city to sign the petition.

Campaigner Matt Jacobs said: “Not only is this bad management, it’s insensitive and disrespectful. Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Constabulary Andy Marsh needs to show he’s taking the tasering of Ras Judah seriously by taking these potentially dangerous officers off our streets until the investigation is completed.”

Ras Judah continues to suffer from health complications but strongly supports the campaign and is keen for everyone in the community to learn about their legal rights.

The campaign team is also organising a day of action in Easton in April when people from across BS5 will be encouraged to distribute flyers about Stop and Search laws and taser use.

The petition will be printed and distributed across Bristol. The first meeting of a new support group called Victims of Injustice – started to support those who have experienced racist police violence – will be at Kuumba Centre, in St Pauls, on March 30.

The group’s Cleo Lake said: “The road to justice is often a long one – The Justice for Judah campaign follows a long line of injustices experienced by people of African descent at the hands of the state. The campaign is determined that Bristol set a new template for learning and co working that may inspire other cities and indeed other corners of the globe.”

IPCC commissioner Cindy Butts said: “The incident in which Mr Adunbi was Tasered has attracted significant community concern and I am grateful to the representatives for their attendance last week and their honest and frank contributions.

“We would reassure them that we are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.

“The investigation is making positive progress and we are continuing to review evidence regarding the appropriateness of Taser use in the circumstances.

“As our investigation is ongoing the IPCC is limited in what can be released into the public domain, and we would ask for patience while our work is carried out.”

She added that serving a notice advises an officer or member of police staff that their conduct is subject to investigation – such notices are not judgemental in any way.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary said it would not comment until the investigation has been completed.

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