Thursday, March 31, 2011

Smiley Culture: Commissioner heckled at meeting..

Family and friends campaigning for justice for a reggae star who died during a police raid heckled authorities at a City Hall meeting today.

Relatives and friends of David Emanuel - known as Smiley Culture - were at the Metropolitan Police Authority’s meeting this morning at City Hall, where acting MPA Commissioner Tim Goodwin addressed the issue of Mr Emanuel’s death.

He said: “I have spoken with Mr Emanuel’s nephew (Merlin) here today and explained that because there is an ongoing independent investigation I’m unable to say very much about it.
“I should not express opinions that could influence the investigation in any way.”

As Commissioner Godwin answered to members questions, including Assembly Member Val Shawcross, the public started to heckle and shout questioning why Detective Constable Stuart Hobkirk told a judge in court earlier this week the musician had stabbed himself in front of officers at his Warlingham home on March 15.

Deputy Mayor of London for Policing Kit Malthouse tried to intervene and asked for order, but the public continued to chant, at which point Mr Malthouse interrupted the meeting and left the chamber followed by other members.

The public started chanting “No justice, no peace” as they left the chamber and building.
Speaking outside City Hall after the meeting, social justice campaigner Lee Jasper said:

“Boris, the City, the commissioners, the IPCC, they had better be aware that this is the community at boiling point and we are ready to take action. We are back to the 80s. This is uprising.”
http://www.croydonguardian.co.uk/news/localnews/8946243.MPA_Commissioner_heckled_over_Smiley_Culture_at_meeting/