Earlier today, on the 25th of June, protests and demonstrations broke out against police brutality in Stratford and Forest Gate in East London. This particular protest took place due to the death of Edson Da Costa.
Ten days ago, Edir Frederico Da Costa’s vehicle was stopped by the police. The officers proceeded an attempt to detain him, using force and CS gas. The Early reports relay that Da Costa became unwell from the gas and was rushed to the hospital, remaining in critical condition until he died. The IPCC (Independent Police Complaints Commission) later announced that his death was to be investigated.
Edir ‘Edson’ Frederico Da Costa was described as “an absolutely beautiful person” that “ever let anyone down”. He was the father of a one-year-old and was aged only 25 himself. His friends, family and community are shocked at the circumstances in which he died and are frustrated by the lack of answers. Everyone, as we all should, feels a responsibility to not let him down and demand answers.
After his death, Da Costas cousin claimed that Edir (aka Edson) had suffered from a ruptured bladder, collapsed lungs, and fallen diaphragm due to the force from the police. The IPCC, however, has denied this claim and revealed none of these injuries were in the preliminary post-mortem.
“Rigorous investigations into the cause of Mr Da Costa’s death are continuing, including into the use of force.” – IPCC
Any actual answers had been delayed and naturally, the community grew restless. And angry. Protests were planned to be held in Forest Gate and Stratford and, according to witnesses, had started off peacefully until police arrived in riot gear.
People are not rioting for no reason.
Police in riot gear have left a woman unconcious ..
#justiceforEdson pic.twitter.com/Kb4x2xQuME
— Joell [] (@CarbzOnline) June 25, 2017
Things then began to turn violent. Protestors became rioters and began lighting bins and cars on fire. The streets of Forest Gate were cordoned off and were littered with burning rubbish. The riot carried on well into the night, as late as 2 am.
Forest Gate last night pic.twitter.com/MpGYlBK6dK
— Fabiha (@fabiha_30) June 26, 2017
Forest Gate pic.twitter.com/zFtXo4JSV3
— Fabiha (@fabiha_30) June 26, 2017
The riots that took place last night were extremely reminiscent of the 2011 London riots which started due to the death of Mark Duggan after having been shot by police. Similar to Edson Da Costa’s death, Mark Duggan’s’ death stirred up a great deal of anger, resulting in the London riots. These riots included looting, breakage of shop windows, fires etc.
If the outrage of Da Costa’s death is to escalate to that Duggan’s death, the outcome and the terror caused will be much worse. The city of London has faced many injustices and tragedies the past month, including the Grenfell Tower fire and the Finsbury Park Mosque attack. These occurrences have left Londoners angrier, rather than weaker – more determined to fight back.
#JusticeForEdson
