Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Mulrunji Cameron Doomadgee, November 19, 2004

36-year-old Mulrunji Cameron Doomadgee was killed by Senior Sargeant Chris Hurley while in police custody on Palm Island, Queensland, Australia November 19, 2004 in a police cell. His death lead to upheaval as local residents protested and demanded justice which culminated into national media attention. Hurley was eventually indicted by the Australian Attorney General which marked the first time an individual for a criminal trial since the public prosecutor's office was established and the first trial of an Australian police officer for a death in custody. The officer was acquitted by a jury in June 2007, and the family was given some funds for compensation.