Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article includes the names of people who have died.
More than 100 peaceful protestors walked through Redfern in Sydney this Sunday, calling for justice after the death of an Indigenous man last week, who fell from a 13th floor balcony when police officers attempted to arrest him.
Last Wednesday, Patrick Fisher, a 31 year old father of two, fell from his girlfriend’s apartment in one of Waterloo’s public housing blocks.
It is believed that Patrick fell during an attempt to flee from police who had arrived in relation to two outstanding warrants, though an independent investigation is currently underway to determine what happened.
https://twitter.com/SaywhatNathan/status/962560139793330176
The ABC reports that Patrick had been taking crystal meth when police arrived, and that relatives say he likely jumped from fear of being “bashed by police”.
Sunday’s protest included a smoking ceremony and a march for police accountability, as well as speeches from community leaders and members of Patrick’s family. The NSW Police report no issues occurred.
“Too many coppers, not enough justice” – friends, family and supports chant as they demand justice for Patrick Fisher, a young indigenous man who died in Waterloo during an altercation with police. pic.twitter.com/7A3mHuSBin
— Rangi Hirini (@rangihirini) February 10, 2018
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, his cousin Laura Monro took the opportunity to call for community strength.
“What are we going to do with unresolved shit that keeps going and going and going?” Laura said.
“I want you to think of this community and how we can bring it back together.”
Stirring scenes in Redfern Park as more than one hundred peaceful protesters rally following the death of 31yr old aboriginal man Patrick Fisher. The father fell from a 13th floor balcony during a police operation on Wednesday. Critical incident investigation underway. @9NewsSyd pic.twitter.com/HlKy40yj75
— Gabrielle Boyle (@Gabrielle_Boyle) February 11, 2018
For the community, Patrick’s is the latest of a long line of Indigenous deaths involving police. This Thursday, Redfern will see a rally marking the 14th year anniversary of the death of seventeen year old boy T.J. Hickey.
