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Anniversary march to commemorate Anas Bennis: a report-back
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For media coverage of the march, please click here
To read statements sent by Khadija and Mohamed Bennis, please click here
To read solidarity messages sent by other families and friends of victims of lethal police violence, please click here
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Wednesday, December 1st, 2010 marked the five-year anniversary of the police murder of Mohamed Anas Bennis. In past years, annual vigils have been held at the site of Anas’ death: the corner of Kent and Côte-des-Neiges streets. This year, to mark the five long years of turmoil and struggle for Anas’ family, the Justice for Anas Coalition decided to organize a street march in Côte-des-Neiges. As such, on Saturday December 4th, the Bennis family’s call for justice for the murder of their son and brother was wholeheartedly supported by local groups and social justice organizations, as well as many individual members of the Montreal community at large. Over seventy people were in attendance for the energetic march.
The press point that preceded the march was attended by journalists from student and community outlets, as well as mainstream corporate press. Reports were sympathetic and helped to highlight the travesty of justice that persists five years following Anas' death.
Before the march started, moving speeches were made by Neil Castro of Kabaatang Montreal (a Filipino youth organization) and Salam Elmenyawi of the Muslim Council of Montreal. Messages sent by Khadija (Anas’ twin sister) and Mohamed (Anas’s father) -- who are both currently living overseas -- were shared over the megaphone; they both humbly and graciously thanked everyone for being there, expressed the torment of not being able to be present themselves, and spoke of loss and the long overdue necessity for justice and answers. Tu Three, a local MC, then performed a piece that detailed experiences of Islamophobia in the North American context. Those present were then warmed up by a beautiful a cappella performance by Meryem, an Algerian MC who is part of local hip-hop family Nomadic Massive, before finally beginning to march.
We then took to the streets of Côte-des-Neiges, demanding that the upcoming coroner’s inquest be just, rigorous and exhaustive. We expressed our rage over the long delay caused by the Montreal Police Brotherhood and the City of Montreal who tried their best to have it canceled, but who will now be forced to finally proceed with the coroner's inquiry, one of few small recourses to justice that exists for families of victims of police killings. The march was lively, accompanied by a sound system that kept the crowd moving and both drew attention to the march and brought music with a message to the streets of Côte-des-Neiges for the afternoon. Flyering squads spoke directly with people on the sidewalks, in front of stores and in cars and buses. As always, when highlighting issues of police violence in neighbourhoods like Côte-des-Neiges -- where police surveillance, harassment and overwhelming presence are felt daily -- support and encouragement for our demands was continually expressed from residents and passersby.
Since the Forum Against Police Violence and Impunity in January 2010, a strong sense of unity and solidarity has formed amongst some of the many families who have lost loved ones at the hands of police. This unity was very much felt during the march, with messages of support and strength from several families and friends, who are surviving similar unimaginable loss, being read out loud. Bridget Tolley (daughter of Gladys Tolley), Charlotte Mentzel (colleague of Claudio Castagnetta), Francine Registre (sister of Quilem Registre) and Julie Matson (daughter of Ben Matson) expressed their heartfelt feelings of solidarity and support for the Bennis family, and encouraged marchers to continue the struggle for an end to police violence and impunity.
The march ended at Park Kent with speeches from the Collective Opposed to Police Brutality (COBP), the Coalition Against Police Repression and Abuse (CRAP) and Mothers and Grand-mothers for Life and Justice. MC Warrior Minded then performed an inspiring closing spoken-word piece about marginalization and urban realities.
The month of December is often a difficult time to mobilize for a strong street presence. But, the idea to march in Côte-des-Neiges this year was met with diverse and enthusiastic support. The spirit of this march was a moving tribute to the memory of Mohamed Anas Bennis, and, in light of the upcoming coroner's inquiry, provides us with the momentum to continue the struggle for the truth.
As always, we wish to thank all of you who continue to support the Bennis family and the Justice for Anas Coalition. Only together will we be able to get the answers to the questions that have plagued the Bennis family since Anas' death. Only together will we be able to attain Justice for Anas.
In solidarity,
The Justice for Anas Coalition