Thousands back calls for inquiry into police handling of man who died in street attack
THOUSANDS of residents have backed calls for a public inquiry into the case of a mechanic who died in a street attack.
Asian leaders in Tunstall are circulating petitions across Stoke-on-Trent to support their campaign for answers over the death of Israr Ellahi.
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FLASHBACK: Campaigner Parvez Akhter, centre, outlines his views at a public meeting earlier this month. He has now organised a petition calling for a public inquiry into the death of Israr Ellahi.
The 30-year-old father-of-three, of Stanley Street, Tunstall, died in hospital 12 days after suffering a fractured skull in a fight in the town in June, 2010.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is already investigating complaints into the conduct of some of the officers called to the scene of the fight.
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Four Stoke-on-Trent youths, Lewis Gilpin, Danny Munro, Rian Winspare and Joshua Taylor, are all serving custodial sentences after all admitting violent disorder for their part in the brawl.
Their sentences ranged from two years and nine months to 21 months.
Two other defendants, one of Mr Ellahi's brothers, Isbar, and his friend Shafiq Mohammed, were jailed for 42 months and 36 months respectively after admitting violent disorder in the same incident.
The campaigners want a public inquiry to consider:
The actions taken by police officers called to the brawl involving Mr Ellahi;
The decision by Staffordshire Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to drop a manslaughter charge against Munro;
The sentences handed out to the six defendants.
Community leader Parvez Akhtar, aged 46, of Tunstall, who is circulating the petition, said: "We are not happy with the whole case.
"There are a lot of questions which still need answering.
"We have a petition going around the Muslim communities to have a full public inquiry into the whole case.
"We are knocking on every door in the Asian community in Tunstall gathering names for the petition.
"We are also getting in touch with all the mosques in Stoke-on-Trent and asking them to support the petition.
"A lot of English people in Tunstall have also signed the petition.
"We want justice for Israr."
The IPCC investigation is examining the actions of two officers who dealt with Mr Ellahi immediately after the assault. It will examine what first aid and treatment was provided to Mr Ellahi, and also whether the officers' response was in any way influenced by the victim's religion or race.
Asked about the public inquiry calls, Chief Inspector Adrian Roberts, commander of Stoke-on-Trent North Local Policing Team, said: "All six defendants pleaded guilty which meant there was no trial.
"I acknowledge that the community has not heard the full facts of this case and that this has caused frustration. An inquest is due to take place and hopefully more details will then be shared in the public domain.
"The IPCC is also undertaking an investigation and we are fully cooperating."
CPS officials today declined to comment further on the case. The manslaughter charge against Munro was withdrawn following the death of an "important prosecution witness".
Comments
by Hayley24
Tuesday, December 06 2011, 1:05PM
“Sorry I know this story is old now but I saw this one on the Daily Mail and this story came into my head, justice for you....
http://tinyurl.com/cq2ghqd”
by greyguitar
Saturday, November 26 2011, 10:25PM
“@Backdoored - Ah I see. I was under the mistaken belief that we had sexual equality laws in this country. But I understand what you say about women getting equal pay. The lady I work with is paid much more than me. I must look into that. And while I'm at it I shall insist that we work in different rooms. Thank you for your enlightenment ;-)”
by Backdoored
Saturday, November 26 2011, 7:09PM
“@ Greyguitar; I am quite surprised that you are not yet aware of how the Muslim World works -re sex. Sex is at the centre of everything Islamic. In the sense that they hold it in great suspicion.
This is why they conduct their lives -at two levels. One level (top level) for the men, and the other level (bottom tier) for the women.
You probably know that they have to use separate rooms at the Mosque -when attending for prayers. It's the public face of Islam -men and women, n'er the twain shall meet. In strict Muslim countries -when out in public -the wife must walk in the wake of her husband, It's all very well organised in that regard.
We, don't understand it, -because our culture treats women as equals -that's if you don't count -the work place and the pay scales -which is appalling and shameful -but other than that, (and it is getting slowly, though very slowly better, and the gap is narrowing).
But in the Muslim Community this 'separateness' is, to them ,-normal -and nothing to be ashamed of. That is because, in the Koran, and in particular where Sharia Law is concerned -females are valued at less than the males. It's historic you have to understand.
I hope this helps to assuage your 'shock'.”
by Letitgo
Saturday, November 26 2011, 3:17PM
“It seems the sentinel are quite good at reporting half stories which is why you shouldn't believe everything you read”
by greyguitar
Saturday, November 26 2011, 2:56PM
“stokebloke100 - I laughed out loud at your comment. You try to negate my comment by saying the women had there OWN meeting. Why was that? Were they not allowed in the same room as their husbands. It seems to me that apartheid is alive and well in the Muslim community. Whatever next? Women only buses perhaps!!”
by stokebloke100
Saturday, November 26 2011, 1:36PM
“@ GREY GUITAR Re Comment : The meeting hall was full but full of Muslim men. Do your women not have an opinion? Oh I forgot, they are not allowed to have an opinion.
I think you will find that the first hour of this Public Meeting was a Womens only meeting.. the mens was second, the Sentinel has decided not to mention that a female meeting took place prior to the men's... so yes it seems the women do have an opinion..”
by mediamaniaX
Saturday, November 26 2011, 11:43AM
“MD Stoke...... Please tell me you are not for real!
If it was self defense...... Don't plead guilty. Results in trial and if true lesser or no sentence.
Police did nothing? I have read that persons involved in this & previous incidents had Been dealt with numerous times and some had previous convictions..... For violence! All persons on both sides of this incident were arrested. What more from the police would you like.
CPS & Judge are racist......... Mmmmmmm I struggle to believe that for one second with todays never ending red tape, guidelines etc.... The justice system May not be perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but one thing for sure is that the law is the law...... For every Human being.
And last but not least, I am 100% sure that should the tables have been turned with the identical set of circumstances then the outcome would have been no different. Like me, I hope you are not a gambling man!”
by Backdoored
Friday, November 25 2011, 11:44PM
“And now it's cryalzzz wading in with confusing untruths and misinformation. Alike as two peas in a pod.
I take it crystallzzzzzz is referring to the protest being made racist and religious by the way it's been organised by the Mosques? I agree with you on that point though. Well said.”
by Backdoored
Friday, November 25 2011, 11:40PM
“'@ mid-stoke ... says, 'This wasnt a planned fight like you are claiming'. -in reference to my previous comment.
But how do you come to that conclusion? Please point out where I 'claimed it was a planned fight'.
Thanks mate. Please oblige.... there's a good man.”
by md_stoke
Friday, November 25 2011, 11:40PM
“If the tables were turned, a white person killed by a asian gang - then im 100% sure that the Asian's would have been charged for man slaughter or even murder. Hence there would be no need for a petition. secondly would people be blaming the white victim for causing trouble and try to justify the murder. i doubt it very much.”