*Content Warning: This episode of Doin'Time may contain audio images of Aboriginal and Torres-Strait Islander people who have passed
This episode of Doin Time is a special commemoration honouring the death of TJ Hickey
Marisa crossed to Raul Bassi from ISJA Sydney, at a special commemoration rally honouring the death of TJ Hickey, a Redfern Aboriginal teenager who died as a direct result of the actions of the Redfern police in 2004. Marisa spoke to Raul about the ongoing campaign demanding justice for TJ. Raul also spoke about Gail Hickey, TJ's mother, and her overwhelming grief and frustration that a proper investigation has been refused for TJ's death, despite taking things to the United Nations.
Marisa also interviewed Professor Bronwyn Carlson, from the Department of Indigenous Studies at Macquarie University, about police investigating police, deaths in custody and the Deathscapes website, which documents deaths in custody, .
Then Marisa heard from Cheryl Kaulfuss, representing ISJA Melbourne, who conveyed a heartfelt message of solidarity support to the family of TJ Hickey, and talked about the ongoing persecution of police who in every way block the family from investigating TJ's death. Cheryl spoke about how over the years, in the words of Warrior Ray Jackson who has since passed away but was a staunch supporter of the Hickey family, "Redfern Police continue to refuse to allow the installation of the Commemorative Plaque to be installed at the fenceline where TJ was impaled as a result of his bicycle being rammed by a police vehicle. The police want to see this as an accident. That will never happen". Cheryl spoke about police investigating police and how important and powerful the Redfern rallies are that happen every year on TJ's death. We note that it is uncertain whether the Plaque has even been installled yet.
Marisa