- by Lauren Trumble
- The Guardian
- Issue #2151
On Saturday 22 June, Communist Party of Australia members attended a demonstration against racism and police brutality in Footscray, organised in response to the killing of Abdifatah Ahmed by Victoria Police. Ahmed was shot dead by police after allegedly rushing at them with a knife.
The demonstration began at Nicholson Street Mall with speeches. Speaker Berhand Ahmed said that people like Abdifatah Ahamed were “victims of the institutional system.” After the speeches had concluded we all marched down to Footscray Police Station where another speech was given. After protesting outside Footscray Police Station, we marched to the Bai Alkebulan Library. During the initial stage of the protest at Nicholson Street Mall one counter protester did manage to infiltrate the crowd, but was promptly and safely removed. Prior to the protest I and some other comrades went around Footscray putting up posters for the Party.
Abdifatah’s death is part of a broader pattern of escalating violence, brutality, and surveillance at the hands of Victoria Police. Instead of supporting community members in crisis by providing increased funding to mental health services and other social services with the aim of addressing the underlying issues that lead to social disadvantage, the Victorian Labor government is increasing funding for Victoria Police and dancing to the tune of right-wing media when it comes to bail laws and other ‘tough on crime’ measures.
The Communist Party of Australia wholly supports an end to racism and an end to violence against all racial minorities by Victoria Police. We support full funding for services aimed at helping the most vulnerable members of our communities while recognising that it is only through the complete overthrow of the current capitalist system and the establishment of socialism that these issues can be fully addressed.
