Amnesty International: Justice for Zac

Amnesty International's new international campaign, calling for justice for Zackie's death. The organization requires a collection of signatures.

In detail, the announcement:

Jacques Kostopoulos (Zackie) was an activist, drag-queen and advocate for the rights of the people's people and the HIV-positive people. He died last September after an extremely violent attack after entering a jewelry store in the Omonia region. According to the forensic discovery of his death, Jacques died of an ischemic episode caused by the multiple injuries that he suffered.

Evidence, testimonials and published videos have shaken Greek society and the case has rapidly gained international reach, with publicity and mobilization in many countries. The videos show that Jacques Kostopoulos is violently badaulted by two men. They record what appears to be an improper and arbitrary use of force by the police during an operation to arrest him.

All the while, family law advocates express their deep concern about the delays and inadequacies of the criminal and disciplinary investigation into Jacques' death, such as the police's refusal to gather significant evidence, such as identify or recognize new witnesses and collect additional funds. video equipment. They also expressed the need to investigate the police's own responsibility in the death of Jacques.

The case of Jacques opened the doors to deepen the deep prejudices that are an integral part of the discourse of society and the public. The attack of the weak, the stereotypes about the image of the Other, the fear of the different, the stigmatization and the marginalization, the reproduction of false news observed since the first moment of the death of Jacques, are phenomena that can not and should not be tolerated in our society. In addition, the badist and homophobic nature and stigmatization of drug addicts, the way in which the public dialogue after the shocking incident has been conducted in many cases, constitutes a flagrant violation of the rights of social groups vulnerable.

"We support Zac's solidarity movement and call for investigations into this case to be direct, impartial, independent and effective, with a view to bringing to justice those who are reasonably suspected of having committed a crime. criminal offense and seeking justice for the death of James ".

By signing the appeal, a letter will be sent to the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Citizen Protection, calling for justice to be rendered on Jacques' death and for direct, impartial, independent research. and effective at three levels:

– Criminal investigation of violent badault, and in particular measures to secure evidence (such as eyewitness detection and videotaping).

– The criminal and disciplinary investigation into the allegedly arbitrary and abusive use of force by police officers and the possible liability of the police for the death of Jacques.

– Investigate potential incitement to hatred, discrimination or other prejudices, both in initial violent attacks and the use of force, as well as in the general behavior of police officers. police.

To sign the call, click HERE.