UK: IRR concern over sentencing
01 May 2002
The Institute of Race Relations has issued a press release expressing its concern over the extensive sentences handed out to youths of Pakistani descent who took part in the riots in Manningham, Bradford in July last year. The sentences - mainly for stone throwing - has prompted the launch of a campaign, Fair Justice for All (FJA), which will protest outside the court and set up a support network to look after the welfare of families who have imprisoned relatives. The campaign is supported by members of the band Fun-da-Mental, and musician Ali Nawaz said on their behalf:
We feel what has been going on is not correct.. it is not fair and it is not going to be good for community relations in future. I think sentences need to be reviewed and sentencing coming up needs to be put in line with what is correct
As a result of the disturbances, which caused over £1 million of damage, 137 individuals have been charged with riot and a further 40 have been charged with public disorder. However, the FJA has argued that the "social context that fuelled the riots has been excluded from the courts." The IRR analysed 58 of the convictions which:
reveal a huge discrepancy in the sentences imposed against the Manningham rioters, most of whom are of Pakistani descent, and the sentences which have been brought in other cases of civil disturbance in the UK, such as the recent riots in Belfast. The sentences are also out of proportion to those imposed in cases resulting from the disturbances which took place one day after the Manningham riot, at the mainly white Ravenscliffe Estate, Bradford
The Institute draws attention to seven specific cases that are of concern.
For further information contact Arun Kundnani on 07957 240755.