By: Nyima Sillah
Advocates in Germany have demanded swift accountability and justice in the alleged shooting case of Lamin Touray which occurred on Saturday 30th March.
Referencing the report of the German Police, Migration and Human Rights Activist, Yahya Sonko, trashed the information shared by the German police on social media.
He asserted that the statement released by the Nienburg/Schaumburg police station regarding the shooting incident involving a 46-year-old Gambian man in Lower Saxony is deeply troubling and misleading.
Contradicting the report, Sonko said the victim (LaminTouray) was not threatening his girlfriend with a knife, nor did he attack police officers.
“I have personally spoken with Lamin’s mother and wife, both of whom vehemently dispute the police’s account of the events. According to them, Lamin’s wife called the police seeking assistance to take him to the hospital due to concerns about his mental health, as he had been feeling unwell and was carrying a knife in his pocket. Tragically, instead of providing the necessary support and assistance, the police escalated the situation, resulting in Lamin’s unjust and untimely death,” Sonko Explained.
He further explained that Lamin’s wife said she explicitly informed the police that he was not a threatand was simply in need of medical attention. Yet, the officers chose to respond with lethal force, treating Lamin like an animal in the forest rather than a human being in distress.
“We categorically reject the false narrative put forth by the police and demand a thorough and impartial investigation into Lamin’s death. We demand swift and thorough accountability for those responsible for these heinous acts. We will not stay silent in the face of systemic racism and police brutality. We will take to the streets to demand justice, and we call on the international community to stand with us in solidarity. Black Lives Matter, Gambian Lives Matter, and we will not rest until justice is served,” Sonko declared.
Another activist, Moro Yapha, describes the incident as a stark reminder that there is an urgent need for comprehensive reforms within law enforcement agencies.
“As a Black man residing in Germany, I question the security and safety of our community. The recurring trend of shootings and killings predominantly targeting black individuals by law enforcement officers demands serious collective attention. It is imperative to elevate this issue to the highest political platform for reform. We live in constant fear for our lives in Germany, where any day could bring tragedy to me or another,” Yapha stated.
He called on the Gambian authorities and diplomatic missions in Europe to address the circumstances surrounding Lamin Touray’s death and take decisive action against this inhumane act.
“As the investigation unfolds, we the advocates are calling for transparency, accountability, and justice,” he stressed.
