Fighting Injustice and Racism: Support Our Cause

## Your Donation Will Make a Real Difference

Your contribution will help cover the legal fees required to pursue justice for Samuel and his partner's case. It will ensure that they have the necessary legal representation to fight against discrimination and injustice.

Your support will also go towards covering the medical expenses and therapy sessions needed by Samuel and his partner to heal from the trauma they have experienced. It will help them receive the necessary care and support to overcome the challenges they face.

By donating, you will enable Samuel and his partner to create art that raises awareness about issues of racism, xenophobia, and homophobia. Through their artistic expressions, they will shed light on societal injustices and inspire positive change.

## Why We Need Your Help

On December 22nd, 2020, Samuel and his partner, embarked on what was supposed to be a routine Christmas shopping trip at a supermarket in Sassuolo, located in the North of Italy. Little did they know, this outing would soon turn into a nightmare.

Samuel, a German citizen of Sri Lankan descent residing in London, had recently undergone rectal surgery. Communicating in English with his partner, an Italian citizen, Samuel found himself abruptly accosted by the store's security personnel, accused of theft (the accusations will eventually result in the charges being dropped and the defendants acquitted).

Soon after, two police officers joined the scene, demanding Samuel's residency permit—an unnecessary document for EU citizens—highlighting xenophobic and racist attitudes based solely on Samuel's appearance.

Despite both Samuel and Carlo undergoing a fruitless personal search, the ordeal didn't end there. The aggressive behavior and insults continued, even as Samuel attempted to record the incident on his phone. In pain from his recent surgery and denied access to his medication, Samuel's pleas fell on deaf ears.

Accompanied to the Sassuolo police station without explanation, Samuel and his partner faced further discrimination. One standout incident: as they were escorted out of the supermarket to be taken to the police station without any explanation, Samuel was grabbed by the arm without any justification, despite him being cooperative and harmless, while his partner was neither grabbed nor touched.

Samuel endured physical restraint and humiliation, epitomizing racial bias. At the station, a previously unseen officer confiscated their phones and verbally abused Samuel, demonstrating a callous disregard for his well-being.

Subsequently, Samuel was dragged to a nearby corridor, subjected to an invasive strip search, and assaulted with a very violent slap when he refused. And he was grabbed by the hair and the officer stomped on his foot with his full weight, as also evident from the security camera footage.The officer's brutality left Samuel bleeding and terrified, yet he was forced to display his injuries on command, exacerbating his trauma.

Ignored cries for medical assistance led to a harrowing ordeal in a cell, with repeated demands to delete evidence of their mistreatment.

Following their release after 7 PM, following a visit to the Modena police station, the boys retrieve their phones. Upon data analysis, they discover attempts to access them at the police station, presumably to delete the videos taken at the supermarket. Determined to seek medical attention, they head to the emergency room that same evening. Samuel is diagnosed with "recent rectal bleeding" and a "contusive-distortive trauma of the left knee with clinical suspicion of external

meniscus injury and suspected bilateral temporomandibular dislocation due to beatings by a law enforcement officer," with a prognosis of twenty days in total. At this point, they decide to find the courage to file a complaint. Despite naming several officers involved in the incident, only one officer is registered for injuries by the Modena prosecutor's office. While both boys file the complaint, only Samuel is accepted as the injured party. Investigations are entrusted to the Modena police, tasked with investigating their colleagues in Sassuolo, resulting in another short circuit. In October, the Modena prosecutor's office requests the case to be closed, a decision affirmed by the judge, acknowledging that the officer "used inappropriate and unprofessional behavior towards the injured person.

Despite having the courage to report their inhumane treatment, the authorities' response fell short of justice, leading Samuel and his partner to seek recourse—after seeing their case eventually dismissed by the Court in Modena Court (where Sassuolo is located)—with the European Court of Human Rights. Their journey towards justice has been fraught with financial burdens and legal obstacles, compounded by the emotional toll of their trauma. Yet, Samuel and Carlo refuse to remain silent, determined to hold their perpetrators accountable and prevent further injustices.

Your support is vital in their pursuit of justice and in raising awareness about systemic discrimination. Together, we can ensure that no one else suffers at the hands of prejudice and oppression.

So far, apart from appealing to the ECHR, which was extremely time consuming and expensive, Samuel reached out to his local MPs to try and get in touch with the ambassador. We also reached out to associations, press has already exposed the case in Italy (links will be attached) and we had a interest by BBC. In Italy, two members of Parliament have made a Parliament inquiry on the case, so far without any feedback.

**In Italy, incidents like these are becoming increasingly common, with instances of police brutality against foreigners, peaceful student protests being met with violence, and occasional deaths under unexplained circumstances. (Links will be provided for reference).

## Join Us in Making a Difference

Samuel and his partner's fight for justice is far from over, and they need your support now more than ever. Your donation will not only help them in their legal battle but will also ensure that their voices are heard and their story reaches a wider audience. Together, we can make a difference and work towards a more just and inclusive society.

Thank you for standing with us.

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It will be our care to keep the donors updated on every development of the matter.