Michael McKenna; 27/9/08
Police forced to run for their lives as a mob - enraged by the 2004 death in custody of Mulrunji Doomadgee - burnt down the Palm Island watchhouse, barracks and court will receive bravery awards. The 22 officers sent to the island to keep the peace after the death of Doomadgee will be honoured in the biggest ever police awards ceremony in Queensland for their actions while under siege from several hundred rioters on November 26, 2004. The Australian can reveal for the first time the story of the 21 policemen and a policewoman, uninvolved in the death of the 36-year-old indigenous man or subsequent investigation, but who have silently paid a heavy price.
See: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24556015-5013404,00.html
Tags: Aboriginal, Australia, Death in Custody