Police Abuse

A Manunda grandmother has been left "gobsmacked and humiliated" after police sent to investigate a crime at her home arrested her over a $20 parking fine incurred 22 years ago. The incident occurred after Ms Deshong reported a break-and-enter at her home in the early hours of last Friday morning, during which thieves stole her handbag containing valuable items including a diamond engagement ring.

She said police told her a forensics team might attend the scene for fingerprinting, but come Saturday morning she was told this wouldn't occur, instead on the following Monday, she awoke to three police officers arrived to arrest her for a 20yo parking ticket. [node:read-more:link]

Australia is closely following the USA in its private prison policies, and the mainstream media continues to fuel an effort to lock up more of its disadvantaged citizens, especially First Nations people. Already, we are aware of the pressures put on the police to meet charge targets for misdemeanors. Here is a glimpse at where we are heading.

Fueled by racist right-wing politicians and the economic interests of some of the largest corporations on the planet, the prison-industrial complex looks set to continue expanding well into the future.

When we talk about Aboriginal health, we often talk as if the problem is "Being Aboriginal" - but in reality, "Being Aboriginal" is a marker for having experienced racism, discrimination, colonisation and genocide.